A/N: Well this chapter is kind of short so I decided to put up chapter 7 also. As always, please review and let me know how the story is doing. Any type of criticism is helpful. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Stargate Atlantis or it's wonderful characters.

Spoilers: Through Season 5 up to Brainstorm.

6 – Actions Speak Louder

Ronon watched the marines sparring, noting they were all improving. He took pride in knowing they were better prepared to defend themselves offworld and make it back home safely. He realized he'd been considering Atlantis home for some time now, but noted he was also starting to think more in the capacity of a parent delighted in seeing members of this expedition become more equipped for what the Pegasus Galaxy would throw at them.

It was the end of practice time, Major Lorne and Lt. Jacobs had just finished sparring. Lorne was addressing his team, "that's it for today, remember we have a mission at 0800 tomorrow, escorting the Doc back to M33-985.

As the marines shuffled by Ronon several of them called out a 'thanks' to him.

Ronon looked over at Lorne confused as to why he was being thanked.

"They heard McKay boasting in the mess hall to one of the scientists that Keller held off a Wraith long enough for him to load his gun and kill it," Lorne explained before smirking. "They figure she'll still get into as much trouble offworld, but she's less likely to be injured badly."

As Ronon's eyes narrowed Lorne chuckled. "Don't worry they'll still take extreme caution while in the field with Ronon's girl, they're just figuring it might have just gotten a bit easier, that's all."

Ronon couldn't bring himself to correct Lorne, the sound of "Ronon's girl' did funny things to his heart and he wanted to hold onto the feeling for a few more minutes.

Lorne walked toward Ronon and grabbed the water bottle from his bag, after a long pull he sat down. "You waiting for the Doc?"

"Yeah, we're suppose to practice next."

"Thank you for teaching her."

"No big deal," Ronon tried to deflect the praise.

"It is a big deal. Not only is she better equipped out in the field, but with the amount of trouble she gets in out there, every little bit helps," Lorne grinned at Ronon. "I don't think you realize how putting what you taught her to use has boosted her confidence in herself."

When Ronon didn't say anything Lorne continued. "Jenn has an analytical mind. She thinks things through and tries to rationalize everything. If you told her she could hold her own with a Wraith she'd probably argue with you she couldn't and give pretty good reasons why she couldn't."

Lorne packed his stuff into his gym bag preparing to leave. "Now she has actually seen for herself she can defend herself, she'll be much more confident in the future." Lorne stood to leave, "I'm just saying sometimes Jenn has to be shown, because with words Jenn will win every time, even if she's wrong."

Ronon stood and started stretching. "I was proud of how she handled herself with the wraith, both on that planet and on the Daedalus," Ronon conceded.

Lorne walked toward the door, "I'll get out of here before your girl gets here."

"Major," Ronon called, "she's not my girl."

"Maybe not in your mind or hers, but in everyone else's she is." Lorne hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Maybe she just needs to be shown."

Jennifer's sparring sessions with Ronon continued even after the awkward moment when she said she was interested in someone else. He may not be able to look her in the eye, but he'd made sure their sparring sessions continued. She'd thought since he seemed to be avoiding her that the sparring lessons would've stopped or he would have at least told her to continue them with someone else. The only break they took was the mandatory down time Jennifer ordered for Ronon after his concussion. His fight with Michael during the takeover of the city had been fierce and Ronon's fall had been a hard one.

The sparring was extremely awkward and conversation stunted, but to Jennifer's surprise, today had gone much better. She noticed everything concerning Ronon had been more peaceful and less awkward since his concussion. Maybe their middle of the night conversation during his infirmary stay ended the tension and relieved some of the hurt involved.

"Lorne mentioned you were going offworld with them in the morning."

Jennifer was drinking from her water bottle and nodded her head. "Yes," she said as she took a towel to her face and neck, "we're going to see Celise and Kiryk again. Rodney is sending some batteries and a game cartridge for Celise." She chuckled, "he sure has a sweet spot for that little girl."

"She does seem to have an effect on McKay," Ronon gruffly agreed.

Jennifer zipped up her sweatshirt over her clothes she worked out in. With shorts, tennis shoes and a pony tail she looked more like a college coed then the CMO of Atlantis. "Where are you off to now?" she enquired.

"Going to find Sheppard; we're going for a run."

Jennifer looked at him astonished, "still, after sparring?"

Ronon grinned, "Yeah, what are you up to?"

"Check in at the infirmary, if there are any patients, check on them, then I'm off to bed."

"I'll walk ya, Sheppard's in his office."

They headed out of the gym and toward the nearest transport. "Do ya'll have a mission tomorrow?" she asked.

"No, the Daedalus is arriving late morning, I think Woolsey called a meeting with Caldwell and Sheppard," Ronon said with aversion.

Jenn laughed at the look on his face, "at least you don't have to attend. If you see Lt. Cadman tell her she better have movies and popcorn when I get back."

Ronon grinned at the twinkle in Jennifer's eyes. He loved how expressive she could be and it was so good to be back on this happier footing with her. "Or what?" he asked with a smirk.

She grinned cheekily, "or I'll have to show her my new moves."

They slowed at the door to the infirmary. Ronon hesitated for a moment looking at her, "Goodnight, Jennifer," he stated quietly.

"Goodnight, Ronon," Jennifer replied, wondering about his seriousness as she watched him walk away.

Jennifer packed the rest of her bag up; she wasn't taking much this time. She only had a few follow-ups exams and then probably lunch with Kiryk and Celise. She was looking forward to getting back and seeing Laura tonight and catching up.

"Kind of packed light there, Doc." came a deep voice behind her startling her enough to elicit a squeak out of her.

"Hey there, it's not a good idea to give the Doctor a heart attack, who'll do your stitching next time?" She laughed while holding a hand to her heart.

"Sorry 'bout that," Ronon said with a small smile on his face but no remorse. He walked over and picked up her bag. "Is this all you're taking?" he asked surprised.

"Hey, I'll have you know I typically don't pack all I need."

He slung her bag over his shoulder. "Ready to go?" he asked as he led the way out of the infirmary without waiting for a reply.

Jennifer watched him go, stunned by his take over attitude before taking a step to follow the man out of the infirmary. What is he up to?

When they arrived in the gate room Ronon handed the bag off to Lt. Jacobs before stepping back.

"Ready to go, Doc?" Lorne asked. When she nodded he turned and looked up while yelling, "Dial it up, Chuck."

Ronon leaned in from behind Jenn, "Stay safe, Doc," came the deep voice near her ear. She turned and watched him walk away.

Lorne caught her eye as she turned back. He raised his eyebrow at her, when she shrugged her shoulders back he just smirked and looked away. So Ronon's finally decided to show her.