Final Chapter. This is the wrap up.

Rodney, oblivious as he is, noticed the change the next day. We walked through the city together, holding hands. People we barely knew came up to us and congratulated us. Everyone was being just wonderful. They treated us with kindness, and I think people understand My Rodney better now. I couldn't hold back a smile when one of the Chef's came and handed him a mug of coffee and a chocolate muffin. Rodney had avoided the Mess Hall this morning, not wanting to deal with crowds, and obviously his absence was noted.

"Here you are, Doc. Can't have you passing out from manly hunger!" The teasing had a light note to it that hadn't been there before.

Our people found ways to show their support without invading our privacy. I was glad of that, for Rodney's sake. He's on edge enough as it is. The poor man keeps everyone at such distance, and his tower, with it's huge walls, has been breached by the entire city. He didn't deserve this. I want to be angry on his behalf, but I'm tired of being angry. And this one is no one's fault.

I dropped him off in his lab, and hoped that it would be okay. He'd wanted to hide in my quarter's this morning, but Radek came along to drag him out. I made sure he'd be okay. I walked him down to the lab. And so far, everyone seems to be supportive...

"Hey, Doc."

"Major Lorne. What can I do for you, son?"

"I just wanted you to know that you and Rodney have my support, and that of my team. If you have any trouble... just let me know. And I know Sheppard feels the same way."

"Thank you. That means a lot. To me, and more importantly to Rodney."

"I always thought McKay was a good guy, but after hearing you guys talking... he's really..." Lorne pauses, trying to work out how to say what he wanted.

"Human?" I ask.

"Yeah." He looks embarrassed, so I just smiled at him.

It's about an hour or so after that that Rodney comes to find me.

"Carson."

"Rodney, how's things?"

"Well, half your staff have come to me and threatened me with imminent death should I hurt you."

"Aye, your team and Radek came and gave me a similar talk." The look of his face is priceless. He looks honestly shocked that they'd do that for him, and I just have to lean in and kiss him. It's gentle and tender, and he's smiling when I pull back.

"Aw." It's one of my nurses, and I wave her away with a smile and a wink.

"Kavanagh was an ass." Rodney tells me.

"And this is news how?"

"Well, everyone else was being really weird. Treating me... I don't know. Different. But Kavanagh, he was even more obnoxious than usual. And I may have kinda, sorta hit him."

"What!"

And then the door opened and in comes Lorne supporting Kavanagh, who has blood pouring down his face.

"Hey, Doc."

"I'm not letting that faggot touch me!" Kavanagh protested and pulled away.

"I see what you mean." I tell Rodney. Lorne drags Kavanagh off to have Biro deal with him. I take Rodney's hand. "But on the whole?"

"Well, it's strange. But good I think."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

We exchange a smile. Not everything is perfect, but it's getting better. We have each other, and that's enough for now.

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