Challenge 6: Unawares
Turning the corner, Lieutenant Laura Cadman continued her morning run through the corridors of Atlantis. It was early even for her, not yet 6am. When she'd started out the sun had still been below the horizon but as she neared the outer edge of the city she could just see golden light beginning to trickle through the windows. Smiling, Laura thought again how great it was to be back - this time for a whole month's placement. Living and working on the Daedalus ten weeks at a time was okay but nothing could beat the freedom of access to the open air whenever you wanted it. With that thought, the Lieutenant slowed to open an exterior door, letting it close behind her as she picked up her pace again. It was the second or third stint she'd served in the city when she'd first discovered the remote section of corridor that ran around the outside of one of the outer towers. She'd done laps there ever since, never seeing anyone else until she'd begun to think that perhaps she was the only person who even knew the small circuit was there.
Her feet hit the deck in a rhythm that was barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the pier directly below. "The seas are talkative today," she thought with a grin.
Turning the first corner she didn't see the lone figure on the balcony at first but when she did her first reaction was a selfish one. "Great," she muttered under her breath. How dare someone come to her place. Slowing to a walk she approached quietly, interested in seeing who had invaded her running track before she made her presence known.
He had his back to her so it was difficult to work out ... she took a few more steps and then stopped, something about the scene capturing her interest. Whoever it was, he were totally focussed on what was in front of him ... Laura unconsciously shifted closer until she was only a few feet away and still he didn't notice her. Narrowing her eyes she looked first at what he were looking at.
A painting ... the ocean ... before the dawn ... the sun just barely appearing in the distance.
A paintbrush appeared, obstructing her view as it was used to add something to the scene. Clearly the ocean was talking to him as well ... and judging from what she could see he was particularly talented at listening and translating that to the canvas in front of him. The picture was vibrant even from a distance, calling the viewer to come and step inside the artist's world and Laura had to resist the urge to move forward so she could see it up close. Even more intrigued over the identity of the 'intruder' now, she turned her attention to him.
He was taller than her, probably average height amongst the men they had stationed on Atlantis. Dressed in civilian clothes ... a long sleeved shirt hanging untucked over faded denim jeans and sneakers ... she couldn't see how built he was and there was certainly nothing that gave away his identity. Laura frowned, angling her head as she watched him add more colour to the sky above the rising sun. That was the problem with everyone always wearing uniforms - some people looked so different without theirs that it was hard to recognise them, especially from the back.
The paint brush was lowered and the artist stepped back. Laura was mesmerised as his shoulders shifted - the early morning air had been chilly but it was already warming up, obviously enough for the artist to feel hot enough to remove his shirt. One sleeve and then the other dropped away, revealing a crisp white t-shirt, tight enough that Laura had a very nice view of the rather impressive physique underneath. He bunched up the shirt and tossed it to one side, picking up his brush and returning to his art.
There was urgency now, as though he had to hurry or lose his inspiration entirely. The sun was rising rapidly, already higher than depicted in the painting, but still he worked. Laura's mind was partially engaged in unsuccessfully trying to recall if she'd heard any gossip about anyone on the expedition being an artist, the rest of her enthralled by his efforts. She wanted to see the painting finished, was caught up in the process to the point she lost track of time. It could have been seconds or minutes before he stepped back again, looking at the canvas, obviously considering whether it was done or not.
And then he put down his brush, stretching his arms up high with a groan she heard loud and clear. His shirt rode up as he shifted from side to side, revealing a sliver of sun tanned skin and a ripple of muscle that had her swallowing hard. "Wow ... who the hell is this guy?" she thought.
Dropping his arms again, the artist finally turned sideways enough for her to catch his profile as he began packing away his tools.
"Holy fuck!" Laura stepped back a few paces until she hit the glass wall behind her, one hand raised to her mouth. Major Lorne painted? More than that if the painting was anything to go by - the base 2IC was an artist, for real. And Lord, he was pretty damn hot too. How had she never noticed that before? Although, being completely honest with herself, she had noticed that he was more than a little attractive – like his eyes, and the way he looked at you and only at you. That blue gaze had done funny things to her insides on more than one occasion. And his smile, the one you didn't see very often but when you did never failed to raise an answering smile.
Looking back to the balcony Laura felt a moment's panic - he was almost done cleaning up - almost to the point where she was going to get caught ogling him. "Damn, damn, damn," she thought, dithering in a completely unCadman like way as she tried to decide what to do. Go or stay? Fake or fade? In the end she decided to just pretend she was only now coming across him.
Breaking into a slow jog again it only took a few steps for him to notice her approach.
"Sir!" Laura's pretended surprise hopefully didn't come across as lamely as it felt to her.
"Lieutenant," Lorne replied with a raised brow and a quick glance at his watch. "Out early this morning?"
"Not especially," Laura replied, stopping beside him. "This is usually when ... and where I run, when I'm in the city that is."
"Feeling possessive Cadman?" Lorne smirked slightly, not missing the implication that he was the one somewhere he shouldn't be.
"Ah ... maybe just a little Sir," Laura admitted. She let her eyes shift to his canvas and then back to him. "That's pretty good Sir."
"You sound surprised," Evan looked at his own work too before pinning her with that blue gaze.
Insides tingling, heart racing just a little, Laura studiously ignored her physical reaction, stronger than it had been in the past because, hell, she'd copped a flash of skin and muscle that morning that only added to the fantasy. "I am a little Sir ... painting isn't exactly the average hobby for most pilots."
"I guess not," Evan smiled, amused more than offended.
"Don't do that!" Laura thought, the flash of white teeth and the twinkle of amusement in his eyes heightening her regard ... and her temperature.
"My Mom was an art teacher," Lorne continued, the pride coming through as he spoke, oblivious to her reaction. "It was kind of a Sunday requirement to pick up a brush and paint something."
"And God, don't talk about your mother with that sweet expression on your face!" Laura swallowed again, looking away quickly when his eyes narrowed and focussed on her more intently.
"Well, it looks like all that practice paid off Sir," she said aloud. "You could sell that."
"Why thank you Lieutenant," Evan looked almost embarrassed at the praise, his modesty just another nail in the coffin of her professionalism. "Oh god ... he's just so ... perfect!" Laura thought, distracted, her eyes returning to his face. "Don't go there Laura ... falling in lust with your superior officer is a BAD idea. Even one as hot and ... and ... nice as Evan Lorne ..."
She didn't realise she'd been staring until he clicked his fingers sharply a few inches from her face. "Lieutenant," he said firmly. "Snap out of it!"
"Sorry!" Laura could feel her face flushing, cursing the red hair and accompanying pale complexion for the millionth time. "I'll ah ... I should ... sorry to disturb you Sir," she babbled. "I'll just be going now," she mumbled, still embarrassed. She turned abruptly and broke into a run, heading back the way she'd come without a backward glance.
Lorne watched her go, frowning in confusion. What the hell had just happened? Deciding that women, even the marine variety, were an unexplainable mystery no matter what galaxy you crossed paths with them in, he pushed the incident from his mind.
The morning's painting session had been successful, the predawn view stunning, but now Evan knew Laura ran there he'd find a different place during the weeks she was in the city.
"It was so embarrassing Jen."
"Don't be silly Laura, I'm sure it wasn't that bad."
Evan stopped abruptly just outside Doctor Keller's closed office door when he heard the familiar voices inside. He was going to move away, come back later when the Doc was free, but the next part froze him in place.
"I was practically drooling! Oh God - what must Major Lorne be thinking of me?!" The Lieutenant's voice rose sharply even as Lorne's brows rose. "She was drooling ... over me?" he thought, beyond surprised.
"Laura, just calm down already," Jen admonished. "Evan probably didn't even notice."
She was right - he hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary about Laura that morning - apart from the fact that she'd obviously been distracted by something ... apparently that something had been him. Unconsciously he started to smile ... now wasn't that an interesting piece of news?!
"You're right," Laura regrouped. "I mean, it's not like it's the first time I got a little carried away ... that man is too hot for his own good. Especially in that white t-shirt. Did I tell you about the white t-shirt?"
"Yes," Jenn laughed. "More than once!"
Both women were giggling now and it was Lorne who felt a slight flush rising to the surface. He knew women talked about the men of Atlantis when they got together - he just hadn't realised that some of them were talking about him!
"You could talk to him," Jenn suggested once they'd calmed down.
"What, about lusting after him?" Laura's voice was incredulous. "Don't be silly. For one he's a superior officer so it's not allowed. And even if it was I hardly think he'd be interested in me!"
"Why not?"! Jenn was indignant on behalf of her friend. "You're beautiful not to mention funny and smart - he'd be lucky to have you lusting after him!"
"Right again Doc," Lorne thought, grinning now. Laura was beautiful ... that wasn't news to him even though the Lieutenant was right that the regs for them were in the grey area. She wasn't under his command and he couldn't really influence her career apart from the few times a year she was stationed in the city. Not that he spent a lot of time thinking about her ... much.
"It's really not fair," Laura moaned and Evan could almost picture her dropping her head to her hands. "Why couldn't I have fallen for someone less ... everything?!"
"Because you have exceptional taste," Jenn returned promptly, in a way that had Lorne thinking maybe this wasn't the first time they'd talked about this. "Evan is a good man Laura. I know I say this every time you come to Atlantis but this time I really mean it. If you don't say something then I'm going to."
"You are not!" Laura shot back. "Because if you do then I'll tell a certain Satedan about your own not so little case of lust."
"You would not!'
"Would."
Lorne almost laughed, the need to not get caught eavesdropping the only thing stopping him. Speaking of which he really needed to decide what to do next. Go or stay? Pretend ignorance or call Laura up on what he'd heard?
"Would not!" Jennifer was laughing again now.
Okay, that was it. With a purposeful knock, Lorne cut their conversation down to immediate silence.
"Just a minute," the Doc's voice called out, suppressed humour colouring her tone.
The door opened and Evan was close to laughter again at the way Laura's eyes widened and her face paled when she saw who was standing on the other side. "Doc, Lieutenant," he said blandly, giving nothing away.
"Sir," Laura said weakly, shooting Jennifer a pleading look.
"Evan," Jennifer smiled. "I didn't keep you waiting did I?" she asked innocently.
"Nah," Lorne smiled slightly. "I just wanted to check next month's schedule with you - Colonel Sheppard wanted to shift the orientation for the new recruits which will push back their medicals with your team."
"Oh, right," Jennifer motioned for him to step inside her office.
It was a small space and Evan was amused to see Laura inhale sharply and then swallow, nervousness or something else a whole lot more interesting adding colour back to her face. "I can just leave you the new plan," he offered, holding up his folder even as he deliberately crowded Cadman just a little. "I can see you ladies are probably busy and I wouldn't want to interrupt anything." He kept his amusement in check just barely, shooting Laura a glance that had her shifting uncomfortably.
"Thanks Evan," Jennifer took the folder and placed it on her desk.
"No problem," Evan smiled at the Doc and then turned a full wattage grin on Laura. "Doc ... Cadman ... I'll see you both later." The temptation to stop at the door he closed behind him, hear what else was said, was strong but he resisted, walking away and waiting until he'd rounded the corner before laughing aloud. Shaking his head, he continued on his way, deciding he'd wait until the end of his shift to decide what to do about the very intriging Lieutenant Laura Cadman.
"Major Lorne!" Turning he saw Laura rushing to catch up.
"Lieutenant," he stopped, watching as she skidded to a halt in front of him.
"You heard, didn't you?" she rushed out breathlessly, looking at him quickly and then just as quickly away.
"Heard what Lieutenant?" Lorne replied innocently.
"Before - in Jenn's office!" She almost glared at him, and would have stomped a foot in frustration if the corridor hadn't been busy and he a superior officer. "Oops," she thought with a gulp, adding a quick "Sir," and a weak smile.
"Are you sure you want to talk about this here?" he queried, meeting the eyes of a passing scientist and nodding politely.
"You're right Sir," Laura grabbed his arm and all but dragged him to the nearest door, swiping a hand over the controls and rushing them both inside.
"This is ... nice," Evan glanced around the small medical storage room - cupboard really - before turning his attention to her. "So?"
"This is gonna get me busted back to Private," she muttered, clasping her hands around her upper arms and pacing away from him, two steps to the edge of shelving and then two steps back again. She blinked when he stepped forward to block her path on the third trip, again crowding her in a manner that was both exciting and a little disturbing. "Stop doing that!" she said irritably.
"Laura," the use of her first name had her eyes widening, her face flushing. "Relax."
"Easy for you to say, Sir," she retorted, retreating until her back hit the shelves behind her. "Stay there!" she held out a hand as she gave the order, halting his advance. "Just ... tell me what you heard okay?"
"Jenn has the hots for Ronon and apparently you have the hots for me," he said matter-of-factly, watching her closely.
"Oh Lord," Laura almost wailed, turning away and resting her forehead on the nearest shelf. "This is bad ... this is really, really bad!"
"Would it help if I said I had the hots for you too?" Evan queried mildly.
"No!" Laura shot back, turning to glare at him. "You don't do you?"
"What do you think?" Evan walked closer, not stopping until he was taking up all her personal space. Raising a hand he touched a few strands of hair framing her face, smiling as he let them slide through his fingers.
"I think we are in so much trouble here Sir," Laura returned, swallowing nervously. She made to move away but Lorne wasn't having that. He put a hand on either side of the shelf she was resting against, caging her in.
"We're in trouble Evan," he stressed his first name, capturing her glance and watching her pupils dilate at the close proximity.
"Evan," she murmured distractedly, staring up at him.
He wasn't sure after who made the first move ... did she rise up a little, raise her lips invitingly? Or did he lean down, take before she could offer? It didn't matter because the end result would have been the same. His lips on hers ... open mouths together ... tongues together ... God, bodies pressing together.
It was hot ... passionate ... and he wasn't sure it hadn't fried a few circuits in his brain because he honestly didn't care if it was breaking the regs, the spirit if not the letter of them.
They broke apart, gasping for breath, watching each other incredulously.
"Maybe we should get out of the closet," Evan suggested, running a trembling hand through his hair. The desire for her was there, urging him to act, but a storage cupboard in the middle of his shift was hardly the time and place to satisfy it.
"Good idea," Laura agreed, smoothing down her top that had ridden up a little during their ... exchange.
"We're gonna do that again though, right?" Evan looked at her sideways just before opening the door.
"Hell yes," Laura grinned up at him, cheekily rising onto her toes and leaning close to his ear. "Plus a hell of a lot more ... Evan," she whispered, breathing hotly into his ear.
"Right," Lorne swallowed, paused and then regrouped. "Glad we got that cleared up," he added, swiping open the door and stepping out like it was perfectly commonplace to be walking out of a closet with a junior officer in tow.
They split up, each instinctively choosing a different direction. "Lieutenant?" he stopped after a few moments and called back to her.
"Sir?" she stopped too, looking at him expectantly.
"White t-shirt huh?"
She blushed hotly, and then shrugged. "It was sunrise ... yo- everything was ... glowy," she excused. "And you know, you really shouldn't eavesdrop Sir."
"Noted Lieutenant," Lorne returned, faint smile lurking. "It was fortuitous though ... and I've gotta say - I'm really glad I got up early this morning."
"Me too Sir," Laura smiled, her delight evident. He was glad to have heard what he'd overheard – to have let her see a side of him most others hadn't!
"Later Lieutenant," Evan promised intently.
"Yes Sir!" Laura replied, throwing him a cheeky salute before hurrying away.
The End!
Authors Note:
I do have another chapter of Campaign Kandahar to post tonight but this occured to me this morning in answer to the following writing prompts from Twitter and I just couldn't resist! I think this qualifies as satisfying both of them, don't you?
Writing Prompt 1: Bliss; Writing Prompt 2: Before the Dawn