"You forget your keys?" Jennifer's father asked as he opened the front door only to find himself face to face with two strangers. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else. What can I do for you?"
"We're kinda hoping to see Jennifer." The shorter of the two said. Noticing Jennifer's father hesitate the stranger went on. "I'm Evan Lorne, this is Kiryk we wo-"
"Kiryk?" Jennifer's father asked. "As in Captain but with a 'y'?"
"Yes Sir." Lorne confirmed as Kiryk just looked at the two men confused.
"You're Kiryk?" The elder Keller asked looking doubtfully at the former runner.
As Kiryk nodded his reply Lorne asked. "Is there a problem?"
"No." Jennifer's father said, not taking his eyes off the well built man in front of him. "Just not what I was expecting. I guess I pictured you as…" He tried to explain but had difficulties vocalising exactly what he was expecting.
"More geek, less jock?" Lorne suggested.
"I wouldn't have phrased it quite like that." The elder Keller said, still not taking his eyes off Kiryk. Finally though social etiquette broke through and he added. "Jennifer has just gone to the shops. She'll be back soon. You want to come in and wait?"
"Yes." Kiryk stated before Lorne shot Kiryk a look and said.
"We don't want to impose. We can come back later."
"Nonsense. Jennifer talks a lot about you. Especially him." He added nodding at Kiryk. "Might as well find out why, before Jennifer gets back."
"Good luck with that. He's a man of few words." Lorne grinned before stepping into the house.
As Jennifer's father led them through the house Kiryk's attention was drawn to the mantle piece where several photos resided. Stopping he picked up one of the frames and looked at the image of a younger, smiling Jennifer.
"That was taken about ten years ago." Her father explained. Putting the frame down Kiryk looked round the alien surroundings trying to figure out the purpose of the items in the room.
"He's not from round here." Lorne said trying to explain the former runner's strange behaviour.
"Jennifer mentioned that." Jennifer's father said as he led the men into the garden and waved them towards some chairs. Once they were settled the elder Keller carefully looked at Kiryk before saying.
"So, tell me about yourself."
"I'm Kiryk." The former runner replied causing Lorne to lean towards him and say.
"Think we've got that one covered. He means tell him about your background."
"You said I couldn't say that." Kiryk answered, drawing raised eyebrow from the senior Keller.
"Kiryk's just had a security briefing, the kind where they try to convince you telling people your name will get you shot for disclosing national secrets." Lorne smiled at Jennifer's father.
"I remember how clammed up Jennifer was after her first one." Her father replied, giving Kiryk a sympathetic grin. Before anyone could speak again they heard Jennifer call out.
"We're in the garden." Her father shouted back as Lorne started to walk towards the patio door.
"We?" Jennifer asked as her voice got louder.
"Just get through here and you'll see." The elder Keller returned just before Jennifer reached the lounge.
"Evan?" Jennifer asked surprised as she stepped through the patio door. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay? Is your sister-"
"Everything's fine." Lorne assured her as he wrapped his arms round her. "She's had the baby and I was given the chance to come and see them both."
"They don't live here." Jennifer pointed out.
"Yeah, I remembered that." Lorne shot back. "But I am also acting as an escort for a mutual acquaintance who has had to go through a IOA interview. As a reward for being a good boy and not giving them reason to get rid of him I said I'd bring him out here." His words causing Jennifer to pull away from Lorne and look over his shoulder where Kiryk was now standing.
"Kiryk?" Jennifer part asked, part squealed, as she ran towards the former runner and threw her arms round him.
"Jennifer." Kiryk smiled as he held her close as Lorne and Jennifer's father made a tactful retreat.
"What are you doing here?" The doctor asked as she finally pulled away. "Wait, hold that. Lorne said you had your interview. What happened?"
"They asked questions. I answered. It was dull."
"But what happened? Can you stay with the mission?"
"Yes." Kiryk stated smiling, earning another hug from Jennifer. Finally the doctor pulled away and asked.
"You okay? You seem a little tense."
"It's just strange here." Kiryk confessed. "And I don't know what I can say, or can't say." The former runner took a breath and then smiled. "But I am happy to be here and to see you."
"I'm happy you're here too." Jennifer smiled, hugging him again. Finally she pulled away and asked. "So how long are you here for?"
"Just today. Lorne said we must go in a couple of hours. I don't think they were too happy to let me off the base at all."
"I'm glad they did." Jennifer smiled warmly. "Even for a short time."
"So am I. I've missed you."
"I'm sorry, I 've caused you so much upheaval and then I abandoned you in a strange place." The young doctor apologised.
"It is not your fault. Besides you'll be back."
"How can you be so sure? It's been weeks since my interviews."
"Nine days." Kiryk pointed out.
"Well it feels like longer."
"You'll be back. Sheppard and Lorne will see to it."
"You know something I don't?" Jennifer asked, surprised by Kiryk's confidence.
"They are good men and they want you back." Kiryk shrugged. "I have no doubt they'll do all they can to ensure your return."
"From that description does it mean you are fitting in?"
"I am."
"You're not getting bored?"
"I'm not."
"Ronon isn't using you as a new toy in the gym?" She asked, noticing the marks on Kiryk's arms and face.
"No."
"Are you-" Jennifer started to ask only for Kiryk to place his hands on her shoulders and say.
"Jennifer. I am fine. I am happy in our new home and know you'll return soon and when you do I'll be there."
"I like the sound of that." Jennifer said.
"Of you returning soon?"
"No. Well yes, but I meant it being our home." She said before resting her head against Kiryk's chest, savouring what little time they had.
A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Final two chapters up tomorrow.