A/N: so here we go with the next chapter, John and Liz together again :-D
before we start, as always huge THANK YOUs for all your nice reviews and to my beta!
hope, you like the chapter! I would looove to know what you think :-)
5. Destiny Revisited.
John arrived at the main entrance of the university a few minutes early. Since in all likelihood she would be late anyhow, he was planning on taking a little walk around in the campus gardens to gather all the strength it would require to survive a shopping tour with his sister.
But today, of course, she had to be on time, John thought as he spotted her near the entrance. Destiny seemed to hate him lately.
"Who are you and what have you done to my sister?" Just like John had hoped, his sister jumped in shock when he approached from behind.
"Sooner or later, you're going to be my death," she answered, her expression clearly annoyed as she turned around.
"Sorry, I …"
"Save your breath, I know you wouldn't mean it anyways."
"I'm hurt!" In a theatrical gesture John put the palm of his hand to his chest, just above his heart. When she kept looking at him in annoyance, he dropped the act unglamorously. "Honestly, since when are you not only on time, but early?"
"Well, get ready to be amazed. I solved the gift problem," she replied smugly, ignoring his question.
"Really?" John inquired, incredulous.
"Yeah, I know, it's like a miracle. A while ago, Dr. Jackson introduced me to a new teacher at the university and it turned out that she's also blessed with an invitation to the wedding. She belongs to the groom's side, though."
As if on cue, the younger Sheppard noticed Elizabeth quickly walking towards them. "There she is."
John followed his sister's glance, expecting to see another academic wallflower with horn-rimmed specs. When he caught sight of the woman his sister was talking about, he was indeed shocked. More than shocked. He literally forgot to breathe for a second.
This couldn't be. A dream, this had to be a dream. He squeezed his arm quickly to check if he wasn't only in one of the fantasies again that had been haunting him after meeting the gorgeous Dr. Weir for the first time back in New York. But no, this was reality and the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen was walking towards him. Actually, she was already standing in front of him, speaking to his sister. If John's mind hadn't ceased to work at all immediately after recognizing her, he would've heard her apologizing for being late. But things being the way they are, John could merely be thankful with every fiber of his being to be wearing sunglasses that kept him from being exposed as the love struck idiot he'd turned into.
Nevertheless his little sister seemed to sense something, because she nudged him painfully to gain his attention. "John, this is Dr. Elizabeth Weir. Elizabeth, this is my bro ..." The introduction was interrupted by her phone starting to ring shrilly. "Excuse me," she sighed and turned away to answer the phone.
Elizabeth Weir … Sheppard, you are a lucky son of a bitch! Now or never, second shot.
Destiny offered John Sheppard another chance and this time he wasn't about to let it slip through his hands again. Accordingly, he took a deep breath, put down his sunglasses in the coolest gesture and smiled at Dr. Weir cheerfully.
"John Sheppard," linking his eyes with hers, he introduced himself and stretched out his hand.
For Elizabeth it also took more than a few seconds to process what was going on. His civilian clothes and the sunglasses hadn't allowed Elizabeth to recognize him earlier. Mr. Air Force? She was positive that perplexity was written more than openly all over her face. To hell with a lifetime of a professional poker face and diplomacy …
When she'd encountered him unexpectedly at theconference in New York after their strange encounter in the elevator, she had thought something about a small world. What should she think now? This was so much more than small, or even crazy … Usually words were her forte, but currently Elizabeth Weir was at a loss. Daniel's coworker being his sister? Her ex-fiancé's new bride being his cousin? Them going shopping together? This definitely went far beyond … everything.
Even as her mind was at a turmoil she'd never experienced before her body reacted on it's own. Her eyes were locked to his and her hand took his of its own volition, which didn't help the situation at all. The touch of his hand and the intensity with which his hazel eyes focused on her made the world around Elizabeth sink into a blur. She didn't know this man and yet, she had a feeling of a strange connection to him. A feeling that seemed to be reflected in his eyes as well, after the cockiness that had dominated his features was gone, leaving only … something pure, but indefinite.
In all likelihood they would've spent eternity just standing there, slowly getting lost in each other, forgetting everything, but Josephine's return ended their moment. Either intentionally or accidentally she destroyed the moment between John and Elizabeth with her sudden flood of words. "That was the archeological department. Dr. Jackson emailed from Egypt because he immediately needs the translation of the text from the first dynasty of the … ", recognizing confused and bored expressions on both, John's and Elizabeth's faces, Josephine stopped herself, "… I know, you have no idea what I'm talking about and you're not interested. The point is: I have to go, which means the two of you have to find something on your own."
Just in the moment Elizabeth had gathered herself again, Josephine's words struck her down again. The afternoon with him - alone? Oh my God, she took a deep breath, not able to decide if this was to be a curse or a blessing.
In this particular question John had no doubt. He was blessed. Destiny did love him!
Still unaware of what was going on inside and in between her companions Josephine distributed the tasks in jest. "You choose," she pointed at Elizabeth, "you pay", she pointed at John.
With a last "Have fun kids!" Josephine left hastily.
That we will if I can help it. John grinned inwardly, waving good bye his sister.
"Ready to go?" He asked Elizabeth happily. She only was able to bring about a nod.
Butterflies, she thought as she followed him to his car, I can't believe I have butterflies in my stomach. I was seventeen the last time this happened! Insanity must be contagious.