Chapter 11: Change of Plans

.oOo.

Michael's warning of "Do not touch her," had played over in John's head more times than he cared to admit as the night past. Giving up on sleep John rose extra early even though he had gotten very little. From what he saw in Michael's eyes last night, John was growing increasingly concerned. He had not seen that deadly glare since Ronon and he had held Michael down before the retrovirus began to take effect.

Last night in Michael's room when John placed an escorting hand on the small of Gwen's back the humanized wraith had rose leisurely but ominously from the sofa. A sudden rush adrenaline in anticipation of a possible attack rushed in John's veins as slowly Michael stalked after them. Gwen paused, noticing and gave the two men a questioning look. Michael halted just feet away but glared at John's hand. Noticing, wisely John raised it and with a contrite smile stepped away from her but it didn't seem to help. Michael stepped between them and made John take a step back.

It was not Michael just getting between Gwen and him that bothered John. But it was the way Michael had stood. The humanized wraith had brought himself up to his full height, back to Gwen, arms relaxed at his sides with hands that did not ball into fists but instead his fingers remained open and claw-like. John listened to his gut and stayed calm even though Michael's eyes bore into his.

When Gwen touched Michael's arm, John watched as the hostility all melted away instantly. Playfully she reassured, "Michael relax he's just a friend."

John had no idea at the time why Michael obeyed. But it was eerie watching him break into a small relieved smile and turn to Gwen to offer, "I'm sorry. I must be getting tired."

"No problem," John accepted although he seriously doubted the apology was for him.

Ignoring the comment Michael asked Gwen warmly, "May I see you tomorrow for Lunch?"

"Promise," she reassured, smiled and headed for her quarters.

After she was out of sight, John witnessed the warmth in his expression cool as he shifted and narrowed his gaze back to him.

"Do not touch her," Michael warned icily then turned to head for bed. John decided to not respond to Michael's comment because he wouldn't have been surprised to find Michael's hand slamming into his chest next. Refusing to say another word to him, Michael began to undo the laces of his boots. Taking the hint, John didn't waist his breath either and left.

Now tying up his own boots, John realized that last night wasn't the first time Michael's body language had him worried. The altercation with Ronon, John had dismissed because in all fairness Michael was provoked. But recently John had overlooked the same glare and tension in Michael's body when he spotted Gwen at his side as they crossed paths in a hallway. At the time John, mistakenly thought Michael was just surprised to see her. But looking back at things now John remembered the anger in Michael's eyes and how it was directed solely at him. The hostility that vanished instantly before Gwen turned to Michael. The kind but attentive look Michael had given her and the equally warm look Gwen returned, wasn't going to make what John had to do next any easier.

"Dammit they're in love," John cursed and kicked himself for not stepping in after she had hugged Michael. At the time John reasoned it was platonic and seeing Michael, a wraith humanized or not, accepting comfort and possibly even crying was startling. Dr. Hieghtmeyer called it a breakthrough.

That kiss will be the final straw for her, John decided as his thoughts turned to Elizabeth. Dressed and ready for the day, John slowly headed for her office.

.oOo.

Elizabeth had woken up in a good mood. Until she had reached her office and John was sitting there. The look upon his face told her, what he was about to say wasn't good.

"We need to talk, in private," John started and rose. Without a word she followed him to the smaller conference room where they wouldn't be disturbed or overheard. Door sealed, they didn't bother sitting down. Elizabeth stared at John numbly as he gave her the latest report, over what he witnessed last night and what he failed to stop.

"It was probably only a matter of time," Elizabeth whispered crossing her arms. "Still, I had hoped they would not have acted on their feelings. At least not so soon." She turned away and over her shoulder added, "I hate to ask this John, but what took so long? For you to not only notice what was going on but for you also to get inside Michael's quarters?"

"That's just it. It didn't. Take me that long, that is. One second they are watching a movie the next...we thought they were just talking. But the moment I realized what was about to happen, I got in there."

"But not in time," Elizabeth reminded gently.

John gave his neck a little jerk and sucked in his lips. Before finally puffing out in frustration, "No... I guess not. But think of it this way. What if it had been an attack instead of just a kiss?"

"I'd rather not. Despite the outcome I feel, we still did the right thing. We've learned he's capable of connecting. However due to the hostility he's expressed to you, I'm greatly concerned. If he continues to see you as a potential rival he may eventually become violent and I don't want him exposed to anything that could trigger his past memories. That and I feel we can no longer keep Gwen safe when around him." Elizabeth gave John a pointed look.

"So," John suggested in relief. "It would probably be best to keep them away from each other, I take it? I really doubt either of them will like that."

Starting to head for the briefing room door, Elizabeth agreed, "I know… so for the time being let's not tell them. I'll ask Rodney to load Gwen up with more work. As it is she doesn't have much time for him now. She won't think anything of it."

"And Michael I'm guessing, you want me to tell him, she's busy?"

"No, only if he asks suggest it. Down play it and give the others the same order. If Gwen manages to find some free time and tries to see him, we'll take the next step then."

John agreed, "I'll send her to you."

"Yes," Elizabeth closed her eyes. "But I'm not looking forward to having that discussion. Let's hope her embarrassment at you storming in and a heavier work load puts Michael out of her mind instead. Now let's go find Carson. I want him to do another full work up on Michael just to be safe."

.oOo.