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

Spoilers: Through Reunion in Season 4

On the timeline: After Reunion – Season 4

17 – Comfort

Jennifer turned the corner continuing down the corridor that led to Ronon's quarters. Three hours had passed since she stitched him up and let him go. She'd given him as much time as she could to dwell on the events of the day, but she could no longer stay away.

She looked up to find Teyla walking her way and knew that she had come from Ronon's room. She wondered about his disposition and whether his teammate had been able to lift his spirits at all.

"Hey, Teyla," Jennifer said as her friend was almost upon her.

"Good evening, Jennifer," she greeted as she returned a hug from the doctor. "Do not let him scare you off," Teyla warned before stepping around her and continuing down the hall. Jennifer turned and watched Teyla until she rounded the corner, wondering what state she was going to find Ronon in.

Jennifer walked the remaining distance to Ronon's room and found his door ajar. She peeked in and saw him sitting on his bed staring off at nothing, obviously lost in his thoughts.

She entered his room and moved within a few feet of the stoic figure. She knew that Ronon was aware of her presence, but patiently waited. After what seemed like forever he looked up at Jennifer.

"Hi'" she heard him growl.

"I needed to come… see how you were doing." It sounded lame in Jennifer's ears but it was the truth.

"I'll survive," he answered without any feeling in his voice.

Jennifer crossed the room to lower the lights and close the door. She got no protests from Ronon, but almost wished she had.

She returned to his side and sat at his feet, turning so her back was against his bed. She allowed the silence to swallow them for quite a while as she thought through again how she would feel if she were in his shoes.

As time wore on she cleared her throat. "I know you're a man of action and feel inadequate with words. If you want to talk though, Ronon, I'm here to listen. The words don't even have to make sense to me, it only matters that you share if you feel the need to."

"I can't seem to sort them out in my head, don't know how I'd say them out loud." He said still unmoving from his stoic position on the bed.

Jennifer laid her hand on his knee and the left side of her head against his leg. "You don't have to say anything out loud. But, I should warn you, I don't do silence very well."

She heard him expel his breath, and figured for a moment there was probably a small smile on his face.

"You should go," he said not surprising her after only a few minutes of silence.

"Not going to happen." she quietly replied. "I'm sure you want to be alone, but that would only vindicate your thoughts that you are alone."

Jennifer paused for a few minutes to give him the chance to speak, but when he didn't talk or throw her out she continued.

"You stopped being alone when you kidnapped Teyla and Sheppard."

You stopped being alone when you decided to stay on Atlantis.

You are forever part of Sheppard's team, his family… and this in no way diminishes that relationship."

Each of Jennifer's statements was met with silence. She was unsure if he was even listening, but it probably didn't matter what she said. She just wanted him to be aware of her presence in the room and at his side.

"There is not one soul in this city that would deny that this is your home. You have family and friends here that love you, need you, would risk their very lives for you." Her hand on his knee gave a slight squeeze. "That doesn't sound like a man who is alone."

Jennifer allowed silence to descend on the room. She moved her hand resting on his knee in a manner that allowed her to hug his leg. "I know you are beating yourself up for the trust you placed in your fellow Satedans. You feel devastated that you put Sheppard's team in danger by placing your faith in your friends.

Ronon, your need to protect and your loyalty to those you feel deserve it is who you are."

Jennifer didn't think he was really listening. She wasn't sure that she was even helping.

"You need to let it go. You need to rest, both for your mind and your body." She lifted her head from his leg. "I could make it a doctor's order, but we both know you don't follow those too well." She still got no response or indication from Ronon that he wanted her there or needed her.

"I will leave you for now, Ronon," she said feeling defeated, "but I'm warning you… I will be back in the morning."

Jennifer began to remove her arm as she stood. When she was about to take her first step she felt Ronon grab her hand.

"Don't," he asked gruffly as he stood. Jennifer watched emotions wash across his face, but was unsure what most of them were. Ronon guarded his feelings so well, most of the time his face showed anger, boredom or amusement. The rest he never revealed.

"Don't leave," he whispered.

She nodded her head and waited.

He slowly lowered himself down to the bed pulling her with him. Laying on his back he settled her against his side and wrapped both arms around her.

Taking a deep breath she allowed his warmth and scent to fill her senses. She closed her eyes and felt a quietness and rightness in her body. She hoped that her presence and nearness was having the same affect on him.

"It is ok to grieve for them," she quietly spoke. "Not for the three that betrayed you today, but for the three that the Wraith took from you long ago.

Jennifer felt him tighten his hold on her and she hugged him back with everything she had.