Elizabeth felt her heart clench as she watched John twist uncomfortably under the standard issue sheets of the infirmary. She'd deliberately left seeing him till last well aware that he was still recovering but his current state made her almost regret the decision.

He was dreaming.

Although judging by his incoherent mumbles and sweaty completion, it was more likely a nightmare and she reached out smoothing her fingers over his damp forehead.

He fought so hard to keep a strong exterior in place but deep down she knew he was just as susceptible to loss and failure as anyone. There was no doubt in her mind he harboured more guilt than most of the begrudged Colonel's on Earth who would've kept him from the command. That was one of the reason's why she had pushed to keep him as Atlantis' military commander. He was a good man, one who didn't deserve half the things he was forced to endure.

She retracted her hand with a sigh, lowering herself to the chair by his bed and when he continued to thrash about, ignorant of her presence, she lost her internal debate and sought out his hand under the thin blanket. To her surprise he jerked away from the contact and she frowned slightly, "John?"

The soft call of his name had no effect and Elizabeth found his fingers again, raising her voice, "Colonel Sheppard." This time he snapped awake at the command and she drew back, watching his eyes glaze over in confusion. "It's okay," she reassured, "you're in the infirmary,"

John recognised the tone and nodded slightly, discerning between reality and the vivid images from his nightmare. He couldn't remember exactly what he'd been dreaming, just that the physical pain upon waking was worth every discomfort if it kept him from returning to the unwelcome darkness.

"...lizbeth-" his voice was hoarse and she reached for the water by his bed, handing it over with a hesitant smile.

"Sorry," her fingers dropped awkwardly, "I didn't want to wake you."

He took a sip wincing as it burnt his dry throat but the result was entirely worth it, "no-" the words slipped out with relative ease, "I'm glad you did. " He handed the cup back and she returned it, letting her gaze fall over him in concern.

Feeling uneasy under her stare he raised an eyebrow hoping to distract her, "so anything interesting happening out there-" he glanced towards the door, noting the absence of any security. Not that he wanted her to feel threatened or intimidated but the presence was more for her safety than anything. "Where's Lorne, I thought he was-"

"John."

Something about her tone caused his eyes to snap back to her. It was authoritative but friendly and laced with just the slightest hit of annoyance, entirely Elizabeth. Searching her expression he found it void of all previous confusion and his chest tightened in response, she looked... herself.

"You're-"

"Me, yes..." she conceded, a light smile twitching at her lips, "although I suppose I always have been, just lacking a certain something."

He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves, "when?"

"A little while ago, I would have come sooner but you needed the rest." She admitted, fidgeting briefly with her hands. He had risked his life to keep her safe, bring her home but now he was suffering the consequences and the guilt rested heavily on her shoulders. "John, what you did-"

"Elizabeth-" he cut her off with no interest in defending his actions. Everything he'd done had been in silent anticipation of this moment and he removed himself from the tangle of sheets, ignoring the look of protest that flashed across her features.

"John, you should stay in bed..." she rose from the chair, lightly placing her fingers against his shoulder. Wherever he thought he was going the chances of him making it there were slim and she fixed him with a firm stare hoping to dissuade the attempt at movement. "You need to rest."

He winced as the room tilted sharply but didn't relent, reaching out and drawing her closer.

Elizabeth sucked in a breath as he wound around her waist, pressing his head against her stomach and once the shock subsided she returned the embrace, lightly stroking his hair in a soothing fashion. It was rare to see him display a need for physical contact and if she were honest, it was a comfort to herself as well.

Something they both needed.

"Thank you-" she whispered gently, allowing the sentiment to sink in and he pulled himself together, reluctantly returning the distance between them.

"Sorry," he found her gaze with an awkward smile, "I just-"

"I know, me too." She breathed out as he found his way back into the small bed. They had a lot to talk about, issues that should have been resolved a long time ago but for now he needed to rest and she hesitantly motioned over her shoulder, "I should really-"

"Stay." He almost regretted the plea as it slipped from his mouth but he wasn't ready to let her out of his sight, not yet.

Elizabeth swallowed her doubt, wordlessly returning to the chair beside his bed.

Even though his eyes were already closing in defeat, she still felt a rush of emotion just from being in his presence and she wiped the moisture that had started to rain across her cheeks. After what felt like an eternity of long winded suffering, the relief was overwhelming.

She was home.

And right now, there was nowhere else in the city she'd rather be.