Part: 13/14

Two Princes

Chapter 13 – The Picnic

---------

John

It was one of those really nice spring days. There wasn't a single rain cloud in the sky and the sun was warm over the parkland. Okay it wasn't technically a 'park', but as John settled up on his elbows looking down the gentle slop of the short grass covered open space, there wasn't really another word for it. A gentle cool breeze was sliding down the hillside, keeping bare arms cool. The park area was surrounded on all sides with trees, and he guessed there was something to the soil that prevented the trees from having covered this part of the hill. Though the ground was comfortable enough beneath the picnic blanket on which John was stretched out with Teyla lying beside him.

She was dozing as she sunbathed and he had been enjoying the silent sun worship himself. Now though, his mind had woken up and he was on his elbows looking out at the park again. There was another couple further down the slope, though he could only see the tops of their heads. John wasn't sure who they were, or if in fact they were a couple, or simply two friends out catching some rays away from the camp. There had been a few other people moving past earlier whilst John and Teyla had eaten their picnic, but there hadn't been anymore movement around the 'park'. John thought this place would be a nice spot to sit in the evening, perhaps he could persuade Teyla to head up here again soon.

He glanced at her beside him. She was dressed in a really nice cream and golden skirt that he hadn't seen before and he felt a little pleased to think that she had dressed up for the picnic. The skirt's hemline had been pulled up to lie above her knees so that she could catch some sun on her legs. John enjoyed the view. She also had on a cropped top that revealed her belly very nicely, which though already nice and golden naturally now looked a touch darker from the sunbathing. He reached over and gently ran his hand along the patch of skin. Glancing up at her face and saw her smile gently through her relaxation.

He decided not to disturb her as she was clearly still snoozing, so he pulled back his hand and returned to surveying the park. He and Teyla had chosen a nice spot up the slope, overlooked by a large standing stone buried into the earth at an oblique angle. It provided a little bit of shade over their faces. John noticed now how strategically placed the position was; giving them a good view over the entire park, except for the area behind their heads, but then at least they had the stone behind them as a barrier. He smiled at their choice not all that consciously made on his part at least, for he had been too hungry and had been eager to sit and eat. He couldn't really remember which of them had chosen the spot either.

He leant to one side looking back up the slope, around the standing stone, to check out the tree line at the top end of the slope.

He had joked earlier that Kanaan had better not have stalked them up here, but oddly now he was here he had caught himself checking. No, he was sure Kanaan wouldn't, though it had been rather awkward this morning when John had met up with Teyla outside her tent to set off for their walk and picnic. She had emerged from her tent with Torren, from whom John had received a good morning hug, as Kanaan had appeared to collect the boy from Teyla. Teyla had told Kanaan that she and John were going for a walk for the morning, and then had remembered something of Torren's inside the tent. That had left John and Kanaan alone outside. It had been a little weird.

Torren had been chattering away to himself about something as he wandered around Kanaan and John's knees. John hadn't been able to stop himself from staring at Kanaan's bruised nose and face. The two men nodded at each other politely, a whole wealth of silent tensions and issues hanging silently between them. Fortunately Teyla had returned quickly enough and Kanaan had left with a surprisingly friendly smile. As they had walked away John had joked about Kanaan following them, more to tease Teyla than anything else. Now though, he felt a little cautious.

He really didn't think Kanaan would follow them, but perhaps it was having been so successfully snuck up on in the forest yesterday that had his military trained mind concerned. Maybe he was slipping, or maybe he just hadn't expected any trouble like that in his new home.

"He will not have followed us," Teyla said with an amused tone, surprising him.

He returned to his former position and looked down at her through his sunglasses.

"Can't be too sure," John replied to her with a smile. She had her eyes closed and was smiling widely. A thought occurred to John. "You got any more ex's in the camp I should be watching out for?"

She grinned, her eyes still shut as the sunlight glowed over her. "I did not date, as you call it, that much. Being a leader of your people does not always lead to having the best romantic relationships with anyone." John inclined his head at that point. "I have a couple of ex's from other worlds. Those who were in the camp are mostly gone now." John didn't have to ask where – the Wraith or even Michael had no doubt killed them. It was a sobering reminder of the former Athosian life.

"Mostly?" He asked realising what she had said.

He watched her face closely and saw an amused expression cross her features as she rolled her head towards him and opened her eyes slightly against the sunlight. "I dated Hakon for awhile when I was younger."

"Hakon?" John asked turning onto his side, still up on one elbow to look down at her. "The Hakon here?" She nodded. Hakon was a tall strong man, quiet but he had that Halling kind of wisdom to him. Hakon was one of those people who everyone liked and who could be relied on at all times. John had noticed Teyla was good friends with the man, but he hadn't seen any hint of a past between them.

"How long did you date him for?" John asked.

"A year or so," she replied.

"A year?" John was surprised.

She reached over and rested one of her hands on his arm as she smiled. "We were very young, barely into adulthood."

"Teenage sweethearts, great," John muttered. "You two get on alright now though."

She smiled. "Yes, we both grew apart naturally really and we actually have a close friendship now." He gave her a pretend suspicious look. She chuckled lightly. "Hakon is married remember, John."

"Yes," he replied looking off down the slope. "To that sweet little blonde with the…" She batted him on the arm in response to his teasing.

"Sala is a lovely woman, who has brought much to our community," Teyla told him.

"She's not Athosian?"

"No, she originally came from a world named Myas. She and Hakon married perhaps ten years ago."

He pondered that for a few minutes. "I didn't know she wasn't Athosian. Are there any others?"

"Not any left in the camp now, other than you and Evan. Though, I would say that perhaps a third of the camp have a non Athosian grandparent somewhere in their family."

John hadn't realised that the Athosians were so welcoming of outside marriages, but then there had never been a massive number of Athosians. It would make sense that there were marriages with others outside their world, to keep the gene pool strong if nothing else. He wondered if that was why the Athosians particularly had such strong trading partners. It all oddly made him feel better about Evan and him being here and perhaps why they had been so easily assimilated into the camp. The Athosians were very friendly polite people, but John had always felt a little guilty about just turning up at their doorstep so to speak.

Teyla was quiet again and John studied her through his dark lens, enjoying the glistening of her skin in the warmth. They would have to find some shade soon, having been lying out here a while, and they would need to head back in an hour or so.

"So, no other ex's likely to gang up with Kanaan and track me down in the forest?" He teased.

"I am sure that you would be able to handle yourself if that were ever to occur," she replied with a grin, her eyes still closed.

He reached forward and ran his hand back across her bare middle. It was still a little weird to be free to touch her like this and he had discovered that he really liked touching her. As they had walked out of the camp together this morning, he had reached for her hand, interlinking their fingers together. She had smiled at that, walking close to him, her other hand stroking up and down his forearm as they had walked and talked. He slid his hand across her belly again now, and reflected that he hadn't really seen the Athosians holding hands before. They all had the forehead touching thing, which he had decided was the equivalent of a respectful hug for them, or maybe a kiss on the cheek. He and Evan had only received the forehead thing on special occasions when the Athosians had their festivals and everyone 'hugged' that way as part of the rituals. The Athosians were very honest and open people, but touching and hugging between close friends and lovers in public didn't seem to happen that much that he could recall. Teyla had appeared very happy to hold his hand though, all the way up through the forest on their long walk to the park.

"Maybe I should talk with Sala and Lorne, to get some tips about dating an Athosian," he said. "You know about customs I should be aware of. Things you guys do, or don't do," he added carefully, hoping to catch her interest. It worked; for she rolled her head towards him and she blinked open her sleepy eyes.

"Such as?"

He stayed away from the more sexy stuff for now. "Like, I don't remember seeing Athosians holding hands that much, or kissing in public."

She considered that. He realised that her only real experience of Earth culture was through Atlantis, and that had been through the tinted glasses of the military. "Lovers kiss freely in front of others on Earth?" she asked.

John enjoyed her use of that term. "Not going at it or anything, but you regularly see couples sharing a quick kiss when they're out together. I can't remember seeing that in the camp before."

She made an interested tone, and rolled onto her side to face him, her head set up on his hand. "I suppose I had not considered that. Of course Athosians share those things, but it tends to be in private."

"Even holding hands?" he asked.

She considered that, "Not as much."

"You don't mind me holding your hand, do you?" He asked. He hadn't realised that these little details were so important, until you were dating someone from an entirely different world. Though, he supposed people dating from different cultures back on Earth might have similar discussions.

She smiled as she reached for his hand and slipped her fingers through his. "Not at all." He grinned now, enjoying the warmth of her hand in his. "After all we should try to uphold your Earth customs," she added. He chuckled at that, playing his thumb across her palm to tickle her.

"So, that's the holding hands in public part. How do you feel about kissing in a park?" He asked.

Her smile widened and she shifted herself closer to him. "If it is an Earth custom…"

He met her mouth, kissing her gently. She pulled back though and set her fingers to his sunglasses, which he pulled off and tucked away into the picnic bag near their heads, and then turned his attentions to kissing Teyla. He pushed the customs a little by sliding his hand up her bare thigh and pulling her slightly closer, but she didn't seem to mind in the least.

-------

Lorne

It was a stunning day and he felt good about the world. He had managed to walk through the slowly growing Sweet Grain fields without feeling nauseous with the memories of The Treatment. Fera had joined him for the walk, and now they were headed up the sloped path to the camp. She had her hand linked through the back of his belt as she followed along behind him, idly using him to assist herself up the path. The sun was warm today and the first touches of a bright hot summer were in the air. Lorne paused along the path and looked out at the fields of growing plants. Fera paused behind him, quietly enjoying the view along with him.

He took a breath of the air. Regardless to how much time really had passed in Earth terms since he and John had arrived her, by this world's standards they had been here a year now, perhaps a little longer. He wasn't sure why it felt such an important thing, but it did nonetheless.

"What is it, Evan?" Fera asked softly from his right, her hand having slid from the back of his belt, to his back. She must have sensed the change in his mood.

He turned to look at her. She was very beautiful woman; her figure full and curvy and she had a wonderfully positive view of the universe. He smiled at her and tried not to feel the sadness in his heart. He had a good home here now, so why was this bothering him.

"Just thinking of when John and I got here. It's been at least a year now," he said carefully. He didn't want her to think that he had regrets, for he enjoyed her company above all things in this new life.

She smiled softly, clearly taking no offence and only caring about his feelings. "That is to be expected, my love," she said with her rich voice. "It is only by respecting where we have come from that we can thoroughly enjoy where we are now, and where it will take us."

He nodded at her words and smiled as he slipped his arm around her back, the two of them holding each other. "I like where I am now," he told her.

She smiled widely at him. "Good. Perhaps though we should celebrate your Earth roots a little more. Starting with that particular Earth bedroom custom you have shared with me." Her tone was as seductive as her words as she slipped past him, her hand dragging around his waist as she passed.

He turned with her, "I do like to share Earth culture as much as possible," he replied as he trailed after her.

This time he was the one to follow along behind her. There was enough room on the path for three to walk shoulder to shoulder, but he liked the view from here. Fera looked over her shoulder a couple of times to make sure he was still close.

The path crested the rise and the camp came fully into view. Lorne smiled at the sight: home. There had been some discussion last night on whether to move the camp after the summer heat. Most likely across to another hillside that overlooked the fields. Lorne quite liked the idea and he thought that he would ask Fera if she wouldn't mind him pitching his tent to hers in the new camp. He had noticed that couples in the camp didn't tend to move into one single ten together, but instead pitched their tents beside the other, joining them into one large tent. It was especially useful when there were children. Lorne wondered if Fera would like to do that.

Fera paused ahead of him and he stopped as well, making sure to make contact with her as he did. She nodded her head off to the right and he followed her direction looking into the trees that led up towards the stream. Heading down the hillside under the shade of the trees walked John and Teyla. They looked happy and he couldn't help but notice that they were holding hands. Lorne smiled at the sight.

"Finally," he muttered and Fera chuckled before reaching for his hand and pulling him on towards home.

The Athosian camp had been his and John's sanctuary in this galaxy, but it was truly a home now. With one last smiling look towards the new happy couple disappearing into the tents, Lorne returning his attention to his love.

------

Teyla

She had spent a wonderful morning with John, the two of them taking great enjoyment in the other. It was the first time they had been able to share since what had happened between them yesterday, since the evening had been spent in the company of the rest of the camp as the possibility of moving the camp had been discussed over dinner. Then Torren had been with them, though she did not regret that time spent. This morning had been their first time to begin to get to know each other as more than friends.

She had been a little nervous this morning before she met up with him, hoping that now the initial passion between them had been experienced that he would still be as interested in being with her. Of course those worries disappeared the moment he had appeared and she had remembered that they were foolish – they were now lovers, where before they had been just friends. It was something to be celebrated not feared.

They had set off into the forest and he had immediately touched his hand to hers, sliding his fingers against hers and her heart had melted. She had feared that John would be unwilling to show too much affection, but that did not appear to be a problem. He had not even attempted to conceal his enjoyment all morning. He had touched her back, arms and belly repeatedly and she had returned the touches. Their friendship was as strong as before, and was now enhanced with the newly revealed sexual attraction between them. She had not realised how attracted to her he had been until now. The gentle flirting they had shared before, when they had expertly danced around trespassing over the line from friendship, now became very real. He flirted continuously with her this morning, and added to his teasing touches she was feeling very feminine and aroused.

Once they had returned to the camp she led him through the tents towards hers. She had offered him some tea, which he had eagerly accepted, after which he had explained to her the Earth meaning of inviting someone 'in for coffee'. She had not responded to that, only looked interested and smiled, leaving him to wonder about how she had meant the invitation. She had no plans this afternoon and intended to let the day play out as it wished with him.

They reached her tent and she finally released his hand as she moved off towards the kettle. As he unpacked the picnic bag, dropping the empty food containers in a bowl of water to soak, she prepared them a pot of tea. They talked about the plans to move the camp, as both of them had volunteered to help scout out the best alternate locations. The kettle reached its boil, the whistle singing out and she poured out the hot water, stirring in the roots and leaves. It was one of her favourite blends and she poured out a cup for John. He took it with a thank you and moved away across the tent towards the table. She sipped her tea with enjoyment and turned round to see John was standing by her table. He had his back to her and he was carefully folding up the fabric she had left lying over the surface.

"I forgot to put that away," she commented as she walked across to join him.

"For Torren?" He asked as he finished folding up the main piece of material and he tossed it lightly down towards the far end of the table. She set her tea down and helped to clear up the smaller pieces of fabric she had already cut out.

"Yes, he is growing so fast I can hardly keep up."

"I like your skirt," he said as he looked down at her.

"Thank you," she replied as she finished clearing the table.

"Is it new?" He asked his sparkling eyes. She could not remember having been so enticed by someone just looking at her before.

She smiled up at him. "I made it a while ago, but I have not worn it before."

He nodded like it was confirming something for him. He remained standing by the end of the table, not moving towards a chair to sit down. She worried for a moment that he was not planning to stay after all.

"Are you doing anything this afternoon?" He asked.

"No, I have kept it free," she told him.

"Great," he said with feeling and he reached for her.

She took her hand away from her teacup where it stood on the corner of the table top and stepped into his embrace. He kissed her gently, but she was feeling ready for a lot more. She entwined her arms around his shoulders, the entire morning's flirting and soft touches having built a strong fire inside of her. He pulled his mouth from hers.

"Then, I'd like to suggest something," he uttered. She thought she already knew what it might be. "You, me and this table," he explained.

She glanced down at the table by their side and smiled. Now she understood why he had been clearing the surface so thoroughly.

"And something I've been thinking about all morning," he added as he set his lips to hers again. This kiss was full of passion now and she pressed herself close to him. He slid one of his arms around her back and then slid it down under her backside and then he was lifting her. She broke the kiss and smiled in delight at his easy strength as he turned and sat her down on the end of the table.

After he had carefully set both the tea cups on a nearby stool, he turned his attention to helping her remove her sandals.

"And what might that be?" She asked, excited as he reached for her waist and his hands slipped around to the back of her skirt. His fingers quickly undid the clasp which she suspected he had been studying to so quickly understand how to release it.

"It's something very popular on Earth," he told her as he kissed her neck briefly before he looked down to pull her skirt from her hips. She lifted one hip and then the other to help him free her of the fabric and her underwear beneath. She glanced towards the tent entrance flap.

"Don't worry, I've tied it shut," he told her with a smile as he leant back in towards her.

She reached for the front of his shirt, grasping the material to pull it up and reveal his upper body. He pulled his shirt off and she reached down to free herself of hers, her body more than ready for his attention. But, though he slid his hands over her breasts and bare sides he didn't lean back towards her.

"It's something involving kissing," he told her softly and she remembered that he had been talking about something he wanted to do. She nodded, her hands sliding along the strong lines of his shoulders and chest. His hands dropped to her bare hips and he pulled her closer to the edge of the table and she parted her legs around him, but once again he pulled away. He turned and she watched him pull a chair round behind him and then he sat down, between her legs and suddenly she had an idea of what he intended.

Breathing heavily she watched as he slid his hands up her thighs and he looked up at her. "This okay?" He asked.

"Yes," she whispered to him and as he set his mouth to the inside of one of her thighs she sighed in delight. She reached for him, sliding her fingers through his spiky hair as he moved up her thigh, leaning in towards the junction of her legs. His hands stroked back and forth along the outside of her legs, and she widened them anticipating his final touch.

He looked up at her again as he slid one hand around her leg to touch her intimately. "Lay back, Teyla," he told her softly.

She leant back onto one hand, but she kept her gaze on him as he set his mouth to her core. The sensation was amazing and she tightened her hand in his hair as she gasped in delight.

"Teyla," he groaned and she finally shifted herself to lie back along the table.

The tent ceiling above her faded out of focus as all her senses turned entirely to John between her legs. His hands wandered over her, and she met one of his hands with hers, grasping it tightly. He reached up further, though he didn't halt his kiss, and his strong hand slid around one of her breasts, massaging and heightening her arousal even further. Running her hand down the long length of his muscular arm she grazed her nails against the thick forearm.

She tried to keep her moans contained, knowing that there would be people moving around the camp outside, but it was difficult and so she lifted her free hand to her mouth. She bit the backs of her own fingers to keep in the sounds of pleasure and suddenly she was flying again. She dug her nails into his arm as she grasped the side of the table with her other hand, holding on as she rode out the waves that arched her body.

As the relaxation followed she let go of the table and reached down to John's head again. She ran her fingers through the locks, as he kissed and nuzzled against her inner thighs. She lay heavily on the table, her head far too heavy to move and she murmured with pleasure. She heard him chuckle from between her legs and she felt him move away, his hands sliding down her thighs. She heard the chair move and she opened her eyes to see him stand up. He reached over her and slid his hands up her body.

"Do your people have that custom as well?" He asked quietly as he leant over her, sliding his hands under her back.

She slowly sat up, her body beautifully satisfied and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Not frequently," she told him.

His hands were on his trousers and she edged herself right to the edge of the table and set her mouth to his jaw, over the sharp defined edge to his throat. He was breathing faster than normal, but that was to be expected and enjoyed. His trousers hit the floor and she closed her knees around his bared hips. His hands caressed back along her outer thighs to her hips as she reached between them and guided him to her.

He pushed slowly into her and they both sighed with the completion as he sat snugly inside her. Deep affection filled her heart and she looked up to his face to see him watching her closely, his eyes hooded. She reached up and stroked her hand across his cheek and along his jaw. He leant in and kissed her, but she controlled the pace, keeping it slow and she let herself really enjoy it. Through it she hoped to communicate all that she felt for him. He thrust small movements occasionally as the kiss continued, his hands moving up and down her back. It was a very sexy slow kiss.

She pulled her lips from his, pulling gently on his full lower lip as she did. He squeezed her backside in response. She licked her lips then rested forward, settling into his embrace. His arms closed around her and she set her cheek to his shoulder, allowing herself to feel the moment and the affection in her heart. He didn't seem to mind. One of his hands ran up her spine to her neck and stayed there, the heat of his forearm lying along her spine was most satisfying. She wanted to say words to him that she was not sure he would want to hear yet, so she contented herself with this.

His hips moved slightly again, his other hand roaming her backside, hip and thigh in a slow yet eager caress. The moment satisfied her, but the physical desire was building inside her again, and so she kissed his neck and sat back in his embrace. His eyes met hers immediately and she smiled up at him, hoping he had not minded the break in the flow. His eyes searched hers though he smiled. She smiled again she hoped reassuringly for him and ran one of her hands down over his chest, pausing briefly over his heart. His hands slid to her hips and he thrust himself back to the deepest he could go into her. She rolled her hips in delight and he smiled.

"Bed?" He asked.

She nodded as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and his hands slid under her backside. She locked her legs around his back as he lifted her once again and carried her to her bed.

--------

John

He woke from his light doze. His body was warm, his body satisfied. He could feel the layer of sweat across his skin, but that was hardly surprising considering they had been in this bed for who knew how long. They had managed two more rounds before they had finally spooned up and slept properly.

He slid his hand over her soft hip, her round backside against his groin. He felt really good, and not just from all the great sex, but that it had been with Teyla. She had responded just as he could have prayed and it seemed she had the same power over him. He had stroked over every inch of her, desperately wanting to be able to know all of her. He had kissed her back, down her spine, over her buttocks, her thighs, behind her knees and the instep of her feet. Every part of her aroused him and he had been allowed to explore all of her. She had lain happily under his care, no question, no nervousness or embarrassment. He had been allowed to kiss her between her legs, her nipples, her throat, lick around her ears, gently bite her neck and bury himself deeply into her over and over again. Her legs had been around his hips, his legs, his waist and his shoulders.

Her hands had caressed over him constantly as well, through his hair, squeezing his neck, his shoulder blades and his sides. Her fingers had teased his lower back, tightened around his backside and had gripped his thighs. She had tasted him intimately, cupped him and stroked him. She had run her tongue up his stomach, around his nipples and had bitten his shoulder, neck and arms. He could feel her scratches across his back and he lifted one arm to see the shadow of a love bite on his bicep. She had been so close that she had turned her mouth to his arm by her head and latched onto him. Her teeth had been blunt edges around the sting to his skin and he had climaxed to the sight of her teeth on his skin, her eyes on him hotly.

She had been the Teyla he had always known, but something so much more now – a passionate woman contented with her body and excited by his. As he had kissed her, held her and pushed her to the point of near screams of pleasure he had smiled. He had known they were going to be real good together. They did everything great together – be it talking, working, protecting each others backs, and now they could add making out and fantastic sex to the list. He had told her that at one point and she had laughed in delight pulling him close, and he had settled against her breast, his hands wandering over her.

He looked at the length of her back laying before him and slid his hand up from her hip, along her spine then up to her side and down again. She sighed in her sleep and he smiled. He leant forward and rested his nose and lips against her shoulder, inhaling her scent, mixed with his. The tent felt close, dark and intimate around them and he had no inclination for this to ever end. He circled his hand over her hip once again, squeezing ever so lightly. She felt real good.

But, she needed to sleep and he felt very happy to just lie here for a while. The faint light around the tent entrance in the distance implied it was quite late in the afternoon. He glanced over her shoulder to the bedside table on which sat his watch. He tilted his head to read the display and saw that he had been right; they had been in here for hours. It was almost dinner time.

About to look away from the watch he noticed the coiled chain near it. Teyla had reminded him this morning that she still had his dog tags, but he had forgotten. They sat now on her bedside table. He stared at them, his mood abruptly changing.

He had worn those tags, or ones very much like them, since he had joined the Airforce. Every hour he had been on duty he had worn them and when he had been in Atlantis he had worn them all day, every day, only taking them off to shower or when he went to bed. They had been a staple part of his military life, and he realised he hadn't missed them over the past day and a half. When he had given them to Teyla before he and Lorne had headed into that Wraith ship he had missed them. He had felt their absence under his shirt, aware that it had been the first time he had gone into battle without their familiar weight against his chest. But, then somehow he had forgotten them.

As he stared at them through the reduced light in the tent he realised that he was never going home. That Earth and the Airforce were gone now. It was a heavy weight that settled in his heart, yet at the same time it had a clarity to it that was honest.

He had waited for rescue, though he had known it would be unlikely, yet he had hoped. He had tried not to miss Earth and Atlantis too much, whilst at the same time trying not to accept and enjoy the camp too much in case rescue did arrive. But, time had passed and he had started to feel invested in the camp and its people. And Teyla especially, because he had always known how much of an emotional hold she had on him. Even from that first meeting and she had been taken by the Wraith. Though he had desperately wanted to save Sumner and the others taken from the team, he had also wanted desperately to save Teyla. He had barely known her, but she had immediately impacted upon him her natural nobility and honesty. He hadn't wanted to leave her to her fate when he could do something to help save her and her people.

He had valued her friendship all these years, but that attraction had also always been there in the background. Being trapped in this galaxy had been difficult, but he had secretly liked that he at least could be with her. It had felt like an excuse almost. Then she and Kanaan had split up and something had shouted that now was his time and his opportunity. But, that emotional investment would have to be made, and despite years of desperately trying not to get in that kind of position he was here. Invested. He glanced away from the tags down to her side along which his hand rested.

If Rodney and Ronon arrived tomorrow with a one way ticket back to Earth John wasn't so sure he would leave anymore. In fact he knew he wouldn't. Earth was gone, because she was here. The realisation was strangely painful.

He glanced back to his tags.

Perhaps she would want to go to Earth, but what about Torren and Kanaan. It wouldn't be fair to Kanaan to take his kid away from him. So, Teyla would want to stay and so John would stay here. Home was now here.

He looked up at the tent around him, aware that it had darkened further as he had been lying here thinking. He had lived as an Athosian for perhaps over a year now and as he looked up at the strong material that comprised the ceiling he knew that he could live here permanently. He didn't really need movies, music and choppers, though having a Jumper lessened that particular sting! He didn't really need those things because he would have a life here.

He looked out past the end of the bed to the living space beyond. He could pitch his tent beside hers to make one large tent. Torren could have a much larger space for himself. John tried to picture that life in his mind. He really liked the idea of being around Torren even more and perhaps…maybe he and Teyla could have a kid together, maybe more? He had never really thought he would turn out to be a family man, especially after the end of his marriage to Nancy. But, now having spent so much time taking care of Torren he had discovered a part of him really would like to be a dad. Teyla was a great mom to Torren and John remembered vividly how she had looked when she had been pregnant with Torren. She could be pregnant with his child. A strong possessive sensation passed through him. Sure, it was probably from the hormones still swimming big time through his system from all the sex, but he really liked the idea of waking up beside Teyla like this every morning. And they could have a tent that was 'theirs', with little ones running around getting into trouble.

Without really trying he was invested – invested in Teyla and this image of a possible future now. Sure, it might change tomorrow, or it could all become real. The fact was that this was now home and if that was the case then he was going to be the best he could be. He would work hard at being a farmer, a lover and father. Maybe then…if he invested his heart it would finally start to heal.

She sighed again, rolling back against him as she gradually rose up from her dreams. He slid his arm around her, welcoming her back. His fingers slid around her side and over her belly – perhaps there really were future children for them. A swell of emotion pushed up from his own belly. He hadn't ever thought that he would have a chance at a 'normal' life, that he might be allowed a family and someone to love him. Someone for him to love and want to be with.

She shifted in the bed, lying on her back under his arm and he looked up at her face. She smiled up at him as her eyes drifted closed again.

"I love you, Teyla," he told her softly.

Her eyes snapped open and she looked up at him with a soft surprised expression. She didn't smile, she didn't grin, instead she looked straight into his eyes and he looked right back at her. Her fingers touched against his jaw, cupping his cheek and then she smiled.

"I love you, John," she whispered. "And I always will."

--------
TBC