A/N: So this is a longer chapter, but I'm sure you can appreciate that the girls needed some time to tell their stories. Don't forget to review.

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Stargate Atlantis or it's wonderful characters.

Spoilers: Through Reunion in Season 4

On the timeline: The Return, Part 1 – Season 3 – Still… it kind of covered a lot of time!

3 – Rehashing of the Dare

Jennifer looked around the room and found herself thankful for her friends. The Daedalus had gotten back from Atlantis about three days ago and the girls had finally found time to get together.

They were all still currently living on base at the SGC and had gathered in Jennifer's room for a girl's night because she had the most furniture. Jennifer was staying on at the SGC and working in the infirmary. Because of the schedule doctors keep she'd decided to save money for now and just make her quarters as homey as possible.

They all had pints of ice cream they'd bought during a raid on the local convenience store earlier in the evening and had finally settled in for the night.

"So," started Laura, "I know we're all dieing to know how each of us did with the dare, so why don't we start." Laura looked around the room, "I don't suppose anyone wants to go first?"

Laura's request was met with nervous giggles from the group.

"Katie, you kind of inspired the dare, would you go first?"

"Sure," she said hesitantly, "Inspired huh…well…after I finished packing up in the botany lab I decided to go and find him before I went back to grab my own belongings."

"Rodney," Katie called as she wandered into his lab. She knew this is where he'd be, tinkering with everything he could for as long as he was allowed.

"Rodney, are you in here?"

"Yes, yes, I'm over here." she heard from the far corner of the lab. She looked over and found him hunched over a laptop with several Ancient items next to him.

As she moved closer she became more determined that she'd do this and not be embarrassed. Rodney would just have to deal with it.

"Are you almost ready to go?" she asked pleasantly.

"Not even close. I can't believe we're letting them kick us out of Atlantis. After not only saving them, but also this city on different occasions, it just seems so… ungrateful of them!" he said in exasperation.

"It is their home, Rodney." Katie quietly reminded him.

"I know… I just don't want to leave; there is so much they could show us… that we could learn from them. There are so many things that we should tell them and show them that they may not know has happened." He said frustrated.

Then he looked at her oddly as if he just noticed who it was in his lab. "Did you need something?"

"I was just coming by to say goodbye. I'm not sure what is going to happen once we reach the SGC so I may not get a chance to see you after we leave."

"I'm sure we'll see each other again." He said trailing off with some discomfort in his voice.

"Rodney, I know we didn't get a great start, what with you having Laura in your body and the two of you almost dying," she paused to look at him and gauge his receptiveness to what she was saying. "I do wish we could've tried it again though, I think we would've had a chance of something good coming of it." She knew she sounded wistful or hopeful, but she couldn't help it, she was a gal that was always hopeful.

He looked a little shocked at her admission, and his discomfort had him looking for something to occupy his fidgeting hands. Katie decided to take that as a good sign.

"So, Rodney, I guess this is goodbye for now. Be careful where ever they send you, and try to be happy, I mean that."

"Uh… you too, Katie," he stammered, obviously at a loss for words and feeling uneasy.

"Can I get a hug, Rodney?" she asked in a patient voice, hoping he wouldn't refuse. She didn't know how she'd get a five Mississippi kiss out of him if he didn't at least stand up.

"Uh… yeah, sure," he said while almost dislodging his chair in his haste to stand up. "So… um, goodbye? Katie?" he said as if it was a question as he awkwardly gave her a hug.

She allowed him to pull back slightly before she pulled his head back down and placed her lips on his. Although he did seem shocked by it, he quickly began to return the kiss. After what had to be more then the mandatory five Mississippi's she pulled away to leave him.

He only allowed a slight distancing while he seemed to search her eyes for something. A moment later she was pulled back in as he initiated another kiss. She lost herself in the moment wishing they could've found their way to this without a dare, without the backdrop of them having to leave the city and probably each other.

She pulled back again and looked up into his face; she laid her hand against his cheek and smiled at him tenderly. "That is something we should've done a long time ago," she whispered with a grin.

He looked at her sheepishly, before grinning in agreement.

"I need to go, Rodney. I hope to see you back on Earth." She pulled out of his arms and gave his hand a squeeze before stepping away.

"Yes, yes, of course," he stammered as she left him and his lab.

"All I can say, guys, is that I'm so glad that we had this dare," Katie said giggling.

"You almost make Rodney sound romantic," Laura said with a little bit of awe in her voice.

"So, don't keep us in suspense," Jennifer teased, "Have you seen him since we've been back."

The others watched Katie and her excitement was contagious, "He has actually taken me out on a couple dates when he happened to be in town. He spends most of his time at Area 51, but the effort he makes when he is here is promising.

Marie was returning to her place on the couch with chips, salsa and a fresh beer out of the mini fridge, "You deserve to be happy, sweetie," she said as she gave as much of a hug as you can while holding onto food. "Don't let him take you for granted either," she warned with a nod of her head as she reclaimed her seat on the couch.

"Are you thinking of transferring to Area 51," Jennifer inquired?

"Not unless he asks," Katie responded, "Don't want to make this too easy for him.

Katie turned and looked back at Marie settled on the couch, "I'm really interested in how you did with Major Lorne."

"Me too," Jennifer quickly agreed with a laugh and a wink.

Marie grinned at the girls waiting to hear her tale. She had relived it in her mind so many times already and knew the girls would get a kick out of it.

"Well, I'd already packed up my belongings, but they still needed to go to the Daedalus." Marie snuggled down in the cushions of the couch, warming to her story. "I decided to check the infirmary one last time to make sure we weren't leaving anything behind."

As Marie wandered through the infirmary she grew pensive, she really had enjoyed working here with Dr. Beckett and getting to know Jennifer and the girls. She thought about the dare and realized she better devise a plan shortly if she wanted to complete the dare before leaving Atlantis.

Then, speak of the devil, into the infirmary walked Major Evan Lorne himself.

"I'm sorry, Major, but you're a little late," she smirked at him thinking about the shock he was in for when she kissed him shortly. "Nobody's here anymore."

"I wouldn't say nobody," he teased back; "I still see my favorite nurse is here, maybe I came to see you."

They'd always had this type of repport, a very flirty friendship, and she'd really enjoyed teasing the man. He could take it in stride and always had a witty comeback. She hoped that kissing him didn't ruin their relationship; she'd hate to lose this.

"I should be so lucky, Major." She responded, hand fluttering to her chest as if she was about to swoon.

"I keep telling you, you can call me Evan."

"And I keep telling you, you can call me Marie," she teased back, "and yet here we are, and you still insist on calling me your favorite nurse. The Major and his nurse," she said thoughtfully, "Sounds like the making of a steamy romance novel." She knew she was probably pushing him a little out of their comfort zone, but challenging him a little might make this an easier dare to accomplish.

"Now it's I that should be so lucky," came his laughing retort as he wandered closer to where she was standing.

"Not sure you could play the hero, Major?" she challenged, not able to hide her grin. "Or am I not heroine material?"

By this time he was standing in front of her and she realized the mischief gleaming in his eyes was having a strong affect on her breathing.

"You've kind of backed me in a corner here it seems," he retorted, trying to sound wounded. "Sweetheart, I definitely think you can pull off the heroine," he winked at her, "I'm hoping you can see me in the role of hero."

"Well, step back, let me take a look at you," she said playfully giving him a shove.

Obeying her order he stood up straight, a step away from her, arms spread wide as he slowly spun in a circle. "Well, what do you think, could I pass muster?"

"Well, you do look dashing in the uniform, and…" she paused for affect; "there is always the flyboy allure, but hero…?" she trailed of trying to look doubtful.

"I think," she said, taking a step towards Evan, "I will need a demonstration." She slowly slid her arms up and around his neck. She paused, watching his features; waiting for any indication she may be freaking him out.

At her hesitation she felt Evan slide his arms around her waist, "Don't chicken out on me now, Marie." She saw the dare in his eyes, and without another moments hesitation she kissed him.

It started out as a very tentative kiss, both exploring the sensation of their lips on the other, but Evan quickly deepened it. So this is what they'd been tip toeing around this whole time. This is what had been fueling their banter.

When the need to end the kiss came a few minutes later, Evan reluctantly lifted his head, but didn't release any of his hold on her. Forehead to forehead they looked at each other for a moment before Evan began to laugh. "What was that all about, woman? If this is about leaving and goodbyes… don't. We may be leaving the Pegasus galaxy, but we're not saying goodbye." He looked in her eyes, "You hear me?"

"Yes, Evan, I hear you," she droned back at him, while her heart was leaping.

"Well, now that that's settled," he laughed as he claimed her lips again.

"It's a good thing I was already packed or I'd never had made it through the gate," Marie laughed, looking around at the shocked faces of her friends. "What?"

"Now your just plain making that up," Laura accused with laughter and mock jealousy in her voice.

"I've seen the two of you sparking off each other," Jennifer confirmed, "It was bound to happen eventually."

Marie looked at Jennifer, "You knew that was what we were going on about? What kind of friend," she teased, "would keep that kind of information to herself?"

"Oh, no you don't," Jennifer grinned back at her, "that is the type of information a girl has to find out on her own. Sounds like you had a fun time finding out, too," she smirked.

"Well yeah, maybe," she conceded with her own smirk. "The downside now is I haven't really seen him since. He is constantly out on missions; it's been so long that I worry it'll be awkward when we finally do catch up with each other." She grinned again, "So worth it though."

Jennifer turned to Laura, "So what about you, oh beloved instigator. Were you able to accomplish your dare? How did Dr. Beckett take having you ambush him with a kiss again, only this time with your own body?"

"I'd rather hear about you and Ronon," the red head countered.

"Quit stalling, girlfriend," Jenn teased her; "you did actually kiss the good doctor, didn't you?"

"Of course I did," Laura replied indignant, "And I did it without having a panic attack first like you."

"Ooh…" Katie commented, "It sounds like Jennifer's might be the best story. We should definitely save that one for last."

"Yes," Marie agreed, "Out of all the dares, you may have had it the hardest since you and Ronon don't really know each other." Marie's eyes danced with merriment, "Or at least you didn't."

"All right already, it's almost like you guys can smell blood in the water," Jennifer complained embarrassed. "Let's hear how Laura did, I'm sure she has a great story… its Laura we are talking about after all."

"Ok," Laura relented as she stretched out on the bed facing the girls so she was more comfortable. "It seems I was a little too confident about how easy my dare would be."

Laura saw the man she had spent the last hour looking for standing against the rail on the pier near the Daedalus. She figured he must have personally brought a load out and then wandered over to the railing.

She understood the need to look at the city, out over the water, to soak it all in. Even though she'd not lived here in Atlantis, she'd been captivated by its beauty and strength. The thought of not coming back or seeing the city in the distance from the bridge of the Daedalus was distressing.

Laura slowly made her way over to the solemn figure. He didn't flinch at her arrival and when she slipped her arm through his he didn't seem surprised.

"How are you, lass?" Carson quietly asked.

"Looks like I'm doing better then you," she said, looking at his profile. The man was quite good looking, and that accent…

"These people, they need me. This galaxy needs me, and there's not a bloody thing I can do 'bout it," came Carson's saddened reply.

Laura leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling the need to comfort. "We'll find a way back Carson, it just might take some time. I know you'll be back."

"Thank you, lass…" he seemed far away, lost somewhere in his thoughts. "Did you need somethin'," he asked, some concern in his voice.

She lifted her head off his shoulder so she could look at his profile again, "No… I was just coming to say goodbye. I'm not sure what the SGC has in store for the Daedalus."

"I know what you mean, they offered me a job at the SGC, but… it might kill me to be that close and not be able to get here."

"Carson, why didn't we work?" It was something that Laura found herself thinking about when her mind wandered. She would really like to hear Carson's take on it.

"I think the timing has never been good. The infirmary is always a wee bit busy, and the Daedalus is always coming and going."

"So you think that if we ever stayed in the same spot long enough, we may have a chance," she added a hint of teasing to her voice to lighten the gloomy mood.

"Aye, I think we could've made a go of it if we'd had that chance," a small smile graced his lips.

Laura moved between Carson and the railing and slid her arms around his neck. He didn't seem surprised by her actions and she found he had slid his arms around her waist. It was this ease with each other that made Laura hopeful they may still find each other somewhere down the road.

"When our paths cross again, I'm going to hold you to that," she warned him.

"Please do, lass," he smiled at her and she noticed that it reached his eyes and made him even more handsome.

Laura wasn't sure who leaned in first, but she noted that neither seemed surprised to find themselves kissing. She wanted to stay right here, to never move, to be in his arms. He brought such calmness to her expressive and impulsive soul.

Even as the kiss intensified she felt at peace. The sensation confused her as much as it thrilled her.

When she looked into Carson's eyes after the kiss ended she was disarmed by the passion and delight she saw there. "Lass," Carson chuckled while retaining his hold on her, "maybe if we'd done that a year ago we'd have made the effort to find a way."

"That did pack quite the punch," Laura conceded in awe. "Well, I should go," she said in resignation as she started to pull out of Carson's arms.

"The hell you say, you aren't goin' anywhere, missy. I'm not scheduled to leave for another hour…"

They were interrupted by the sound of Sheppard's voice, when they turned they found him pointing at the com in his ear, "Lt. Jefferies is transporting the last of McKay's equipment and Lt. Cadman is standing here by the Daedalus awaiting Lt. Jefferies arrival to assist in loading McKay's equipment." Sheppard was grinning like an idiot at the two while maintaining a very polished voice. "Your welcome, sir. We'll see you in a few weeks."

"Colonel Caldwell wanted to know why two members of his crew had not boarded the Daedalus." Sheppard smirked at the pair, "I assured him you were delayed by some last minute business." Sheppard turned to Carson, "How you doing, Doc."

"I'm doin' just fine I'll have you know. Now, if you'll excuse us there are a few things I still need to discuss with Lt. Cadman here."

"Sure, Doc," he chuckled, "I'll see you at the gate." Sheppard turned and began to walk away, "Goodbye, Lt. Cadman," he threw over his shoulder.

"Goodbye, sir."

"I'm sure we have but a few minutes, lass," Carson told her, "Let's not waste a one." A moment later Carson's lips found hers and he kissed her as if he had no intention of letting her go. Laura held on tight while she lost herself in his arms.

"Laura," Jennifer exclaimed, "I don't know if I should be happy or sad for you."

"I know," Laura agreed. "Walking away was the hardest thing to do; I still don't know what we're doing, if it meant anything."

"Well, now that you're here," Marie voiced, "The two of you should be able to find that out."

"I wish… Caldwell informed us when I got off shift tonight that we'll be heading right back out again in a week."

"Knowing you, you'll find the time," Jennifer stated knowing that her best friend would make it happen.

Katie grinned at Jennifer, "So that leaves us with you. We are all dying to know how it went with the Satedan hunk."

"Yeah," Laura giggled, "when I stopped by an hour before your departure time you were panicked."

"I'll have you know," Jennifer laughed, "That I stayed panicked right up until the moment I found myself in an entirely different galaxy than the man. Knowing that I won't see him again takes some of the embarrassment factor away."

Jennifer settled herself on the bed and told them of her 'big adventure'. She received a lot of oohs and ahhs when they heard Ronon kissed her back, followed by a lot of ribbing from the girls for running away, shrieking after the kiss.

"I so, so, so wish I could've seen that," Laura laughed along with the girls. "You definitely left Atlantis with a 'bang'."

"Yeah, yeah," Jennifer started, "enough about me. I think we should resume the girl's poker nights."

"Yes," agreed Katie," we have to."

The other girls agreed and shortly after called it a night. Jennifer got into bed, and like many other nights allowed the 'what if's' to consume her until sleep overtook her. What if they had stayed on Atlantis, what if she'd been brave enough to stay the few remaining minutes before her appointed gate time, what if…

A/N2:

Don't forget to review. Tell me which pair you liked the best in respect to the dare and maybe who you wish would have been paired in the dare.

I played with alternate pairings, but they didn't work for this story. I was dwelling on possibly trying my hand at a one-shot (I have never done one of those) so maybe a companion one-shot later with some of those other pairings would be interesting… like a what if?