Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own John, Rodney, Ronon, and Teyla cause if I did I'd be out exploring the Pegasus Galaxy with them.
Spoilers: Everything up until the Shrine is fair game.
Author's Notes: So first off I'd like to start by saying thank you to everyone who reviewed my story and added it to their alerts. I really appreciate it! You all had really kind things to say. Also I'd really like to apologize for taking so long to update. I was just starting my senior year at university when I began writing this, but now I'm all done! I've got a lot more ideas now about where I want to take this story.
No beta, so I apologize for any mistakes.
Much to his displeasure, Rodney had been confined to the infirmary for three more days following his sister's departure.
Sitting in the infirmary bed, the scientist tried desperately to make a case for his discharge.
"Honestly Jennifer, I know my own body. I feel fine." throwing his hands up in the air in typical McKay fashion, he continued. "Please for the love of all that is holy, let me leave!"
"Rodney, have you forgotten that less than five days ago I burrowed into your skull using an electronic drill?" countered the chief medical officer.
"No, I don't remember that. Is that why I'm here?" replied Rodney, not even trying to hide his sarcasm and frustration. "Don't worry. I am acutely aware of what went on in that blasted shrine. I assure you it is something that I will never forget," the physicist stopped and with a sigh added quietly, "No matter how hard I try."
Something in Rodney's last statement caused Jennifer to relent. There was a vulnerability to the statement that she wasn't used to hearing from the man. "Okay fine. You win –"
"About time!"
"But," continued Jennifer ignoring Rodney's celebratory outburst, "If I even suspect that you're doing anything besides resting comfortably in your quarters, I will find you and drag you back here. Is that clear?"
"Crystal," responded the scientist, already making his way out of the bed clearly not convinced by the woman's threat.
"I don't think you understand me Rodney," said Jennifer in the firmest voice she could. "This means no working, no going to the labs, no anything except being in your quarters and doing whatever it is you do when you're not working."
The scientist stopped what he was doing and turned to meet Jennifer's steely gaze. "But what if I want to visit my friends who happen to be in the lab?"
"Rodney, Atlantis is still here. I assure you Dr. Zelenka is handling it. All you need to do at this point is get better. You just went through a serious trauma. No one is going to fault you for taking some time," the doctor paused, not quite sure how to proceed. It was clear that McKay still had a lot of stuff to work through. She also knew that Rodney wasn't the type to share his problems. Sure he'd whine endlessly about splinters and hangnails, but when it really mattered he closed himself off to everyone. Looking directly at Rodney, she continued, "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'd –"
"Okay. I get it. Can I please leave now?" begged Rodney, no longer looking at her.
Jennifer, finding herself once again interrupted by the scientist, could only nod. With that, Rodney made his way out of the infirmary leaving Jennifer wondering if she'd done the right thing.
TBC
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