This scene picks up right where 'The Ark' left off. Only Sheppard comes back.

Thanks to Vaapad for reminding me how this episode ended. I'd forgotten.

Enjoy. R and R!!

THE LAST OF THE POPCORN

How 'The Ark' Should Have Ended (Part 1/1)

"That's not the reason I did it."

She knew he did it because he was furiously protective of those around him. There were moments, however, when their eyes met and she felt as though there might be more to it.

He cared for those he called friend – only a few months ago he'd shown his loyalty to Ronon, back on Sateda. She felt things were slightly different, when it came to her relationship with the Colonel. There was something – deeper – going on.

A gentle smile, "I know."

"Don't go feelin' special." Despite his words, she smiled still, "I'd have done it for any one of you."

"Of course." It was true, but his reaction to each would be different. When Ronon was taken, he'd shouted and demanded to be allowed to go after him. Rodney told her that when they realized Jamus had taken her; he'd shouted and demanded for a way to save her – and then only spoke when asking what they'd come up with.

His desire to save and protect those he cares for was admirable. Often times he would do as much as he could to save a people he barely knows. She was certain that when the day came for John Sheppard's life to end, that he would die becoming someone's savior.

He was walking away, and she didn't want to see him go. "Except for maybe McKay."

She slid out of the covers, and off the bed, "John."

Without turning he says, "Maybe McKay." He looked back at her and she could see the thought of 'what are you doing' flash through his eyes. He turned and folded his arms

across his chest. "If I remember correctly, Carson said for you to stay in bed."

"I assure you I am fine."

"Yeah?" he walked back towards her, "What's my middle name?"

She laughed, it was a simple question. "You have never told me." She loved the child-like innocence he possessed, and the way that, when necessary, he could become the most amazing man she'd ever met.

"It's a crummy name anyway."

She locked on to his eyes, his cool hazel clashed against her deep brown. She closed the distance between them, placed her hands on his shoulder and lowered her head. When his forehead touched hers she whispered, "Thank you."

Despite what John had said earlier, she did feel special. He could just have easily decided the risk was too great – but of course she knew that would never be the case, but still.

"Okay, well then, you…you should know that you are special."

She opened her eyes, their foreheads still touched, but she could see his eyes. His eyes had been the first thing she'd really noticed about him when they'd met. They were softer than those of the men he traveled with. John's eyes had been friendly, vibrant and expressive. They matched the man that he was so completely.

Looking into them now, Teyla saw comfort glaze over any worry he'd felt; she knew it to be the result of her touch. She'd always been a comfort to him, had always been there, and always would be. John Sheppard's eyes were only part of his appeal. Right at this moment though, his eyes spoke volumes to Teyla. She could read the desire burning in them.

She was certain they mimicked her own, "I know." She breathed.

She leaned forward, placing a hand on either side of John's face; she pulled him down to her. His lips were warm, soft and giving. They were perfect. She felt his hands drop to her waist and she let him pull her closer. She let him deepen their kiss because it felt right. It felt better than she'd ever imagined. To be so close to him, after wanting to but not daring for so long…it was like coming home.

Nothing else mattered. The infirmary disappeared, noise ceased (she swore it had to be because the beat of her heart and the scent and feel of John had overwhelmed her senses). There were no other people, and if there were she certainly didn't care.

Everything felt special.