Title: Harvest Moon

Series: Stargate Atlantis

Theme: Drama /Romance

Characters: Teyla & (Kanaan/John); Cast of SGA, SG-1

Rating/Warning: R/Sexual Situations/Language

Summary: In another time, an earlier time, it's possible that they could have made it work, but too much had changed. She had changed.

Links: http:/devinem27 dot livejournal dot com

Chapter 9: For Your Consideration

Teyla gradually made her way through the corridors. She'd shortened her steps to accommodate Torren's pace, but in truth he was not the cause of her slow progress. Torren had been fussy, with a slight fever for the past few days. He hadn't slept very well and neither had she. They'd both woken late this morning, missing breakfast with John and Ronon, but luckily didn't have any appointments until after lunch. Their current errand didn't require an appointment, or at least she hoped it didn't.

Teyla and Torren arrived at Richard Woolsey's office, just as he was returning from a quick break. He smiled, greeting them and offered his assistance.

"May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course."

He said, gesturing for them to precede him into his office. Teyla took a seat and pulled Torren onto her lap, while Woolsey walked around the side of his desk and sat in his chair. Once they were settled she got straight to the point.

"I spoke with Halling again yesterday and we have both decided to accept your offer. When Atlantis returns to Earth, we will go as well. "

Richard leaned forward and folded his hands, resting them on a folder.

"You both realize that there is a chance we may not ever return to the Pegasus galaxy?"

She nodded.

"Yes and we are willing to accept that possibility."

He continued.

"You would have to become United States citizens. Your names, of course, would stay the same, but you would be given documentation for identification."

"We understand. "

"If we are reassigned and you choose not to serve under our new mission, we would help you find new homes, jobs and work to help integrate you into our society. You will be subject to our laws."

Teyla smiled.

"Mr. Woolsey, Halling, Jinto and I have discussed all of these things at length and after a week of deliberating we have decided to accept your gracious offer. We are prepared to deal with the consequences of our choices."

He returned her smile.

"I am sure that you have and am glad to hear that you have decided to return with us. It would not seem right to leave you behind."

Teyla's smile widened.

"Thank you."

He nodded.

"You are very welcome. I'll get the paperwork started and bring documents by for you, Halling and Jinto to sign later."

Teyla stood taking his comment as a signal that they were done for now. She and Torren slowly made their way to the door.

"Thank you again."

He waved off her thanks.

"It is my pleasure. If there is anything else that I can do to be of assistance please let me know."

She bowed her head slightly.

"I will."

Teyla and Torren headed for the dining hall. There they met John, Ronon, Halling, Jinto, Rondey and Jennifer for lunch. Amelia arrived sometime later. After lunch she, Torren and Jennifer made their way to the infirmary. It was time for Torren's eighteen month physical, but Jennifer has also offered to give her one as well since she was scheduled to return to active duty next week.

Teyla changed into her gown while Jennifer entertained Torren. After his quick check up and shots she began her physical. She changed back into her clothes and played with her son while waiting for the results of their tests. Jennifer came back with her chart and leaned against the side of the infirmary bed.

"Everything checks out fine. You and Torren are both in perfect health. He seems to have had a forty- eight hour bug, but his immune system fought it off. "

Telya sighed with relief. She began gathering their things as she spoke.

"Thank you. I will be sure to keep an eye on him for the next few days, just in case the symptoms return."

Jennifer nodded.

"If they do, you know where to find me."

Teyla stood from the bed, calling Torren to her side. She lifted him to her hip and thanked Jennifer once again. Jennifer walked with them to the door and said goodbye, then remembered something at the last minute.

"Oh, Teyla!"

Teyla paused and glanced back at her.

"Yes."

"There are two tests that haven't come back yet. One of machines had to be replaced so we're a little backed up on those results. They're nothing major, but they are required before your return to active duty. If I see anything worth mentioning I'll let you know, but otherwise you're all set. Okay?"

Teyla nodded.

"That's fine."

Jennifer smiled and headed back into the infirmary and Teyla took Torren home for his afternoon nap.

Nearly two hours later Teyla sat on the sofa reading. Torren had finally fallen asleep fifteen minutes ago and she'd decided to take advantage of the quite time to finish a book she'd begun weeks earlier. When the door chimed she signed with frustration, but rushed to open it so that it wouldn't wake her son. She was surprised to find Jennifer on the other side.

"Teyla, I was hoping you were home. May I speak to you for a moment?"

Teyla eyed her wearily, wondering what she could be so excited about.

"Of course, please come in."

She stepped back, allowing her friend to enter, and lead her to the sofa. Once Jennifer sat down she offered her a drink, but her guest declined. Jennifer seemed agitated and unsure as to how to begin, so Teyla started for her.

"From your smile I can only assume something good has happened."

Jennifer nodded.

"Yes, something wonderful actually, I have the results from your tests."

Teyla was curious to know how her test results could cause Jennifer so much excitement and glanced at her expectantly.

Jennifer smiled widely and reached out to grab her hand.

"Teyla, you're pregnant. Congratulations."

Teyla froze. Surely, she had misheard her. Her brow twisted in confusion.

"What?"

Jennifer saw the shocked look on her friends face and tried to contain her enthusiasm. Only now realizing the news might be considered unwelcomed.

"You didn't know?"

Teyla shook her head no. She breathed deeply.

"I'm sorry. I thought you had some inkling that you might be and that's why you agreed to an early physical. I ran the test twice just to be sure. I can do it again if need be."

"No, I believe you. It's just a surprise. So much has happened and I knew I was tired, I just thought it was from a lack of sleep. How far along am I?"

"From the information given and the rate of growth, I would say eight and a half, almost nine weeks. With you being so slim I wouldn't be surprised if you started showing fairly soon."

Teyla closed her eyes and placed her hand on her stomach. Another child. Kanaan's child.

"Are you going to be okay?"

Jennifer asked, sounding slightly panicked.

She nodded.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I'm sorry, I had no idea, but this is good news."

Jennifer sighed, relieved.

"Good, you scared me. For a second there I thought I was going to have to sedate you."

She laughed nervously and Teyla smiled.

"Here."

Jennifer pulled a bottle of pre-natal vitamins from her pocket.

"I brought these for you. Remember, one a day with a meal and light to moderate activity from now on. I'll schedule another appointment for you in four weeks. I know this isn't your first rodeo, but did you have any questions?"

Teyla shook her head.

"No."

"If you need anything let me know, okay."

She stood preparing to leave and Teyla followed suit.

"Again, congratulations."

Teyla smiled.

"Thank you."

They shared a quick hug and then Jennifer departed. Alone again, Teyla checked on Torren and then went over to the mirror and looked at the reflection of her stomach. She looked slightly bloated, but now understood why; a baby, Kanaan's baby. Teyla sighed. Each child was a blessing, but she couldn't help thinking that, yet again, she would bear and give birth to his child alone. Only this time, there would be no hope of his return. She regretted that he would never know. He'd been an excellent father to Torren and would have loved and cared for this child equally as much, but for some reason the Ancestors had decided it was not to be.

Teyla starred at her reflection in the mirror and silently admitted that maybe it was for the best. In the past weeks, she'd had time to take a hard look at their relationship and see it for what it had truly been; a mistake. She and Kanaan had been friends since childhood. He'd never tried to hide his attraction for her and, for many years, Teyla had made a point of keeping him at arm's length. During their time together, they'd made no promises to each other. It was only after their return and the birth of their child that they'd discussed being together and soon found that living together was completely different from occasional visits. The signs had been there, they'd always been there, but she and Kanaan had overlooked them in the hopes of becoming something more; a family. They'd had been love and friendship, but it wasn't enough. Kanaan's support had meant the world to her, but his stubbornness and jealousy had worn their relationship thin. In another time, an earlier time, it's possible that they could have made it work, but too much had changed. She had changed.

Teyla brushed her hand across the swell of her stomach and then suddenly froze. She and Kanaan had quarreled a few weeks before the announcement of Atlantis' return to Pegasus. Teyla thought back to the day they returned and began to count. That was nearly twelve weeks; twelve weeks since they'd made love. She stared, dumbfounded, at her reflection and slowly slumped to the floor. This was not Kanaan's child. It couldn't be.

Teyla sat in stunned silence. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms protectively around her waist. This was John's child. For the first time in weeks she felt her heart swell with happiness and smiled. Teyla softly laughed. She knew it shouldn't matter who the father was, it really shouldn't, but it did. The circumstances surrounding this child's conception were different from Torren's, but that didn't mean it wasn't conceived in trust and love. Having Kanaan's baby now, after all that had transpired, would be a constant reminder of their separation and his death. Something she hadn't really wanted for her child.

Having John's baby would create its own set of complications. It would be a constant reminder of what took place on Ryan, of intimacies shared and words spoken, which they had both agreed never to speak of again. The arrival of a child would change everything, forcing them to revisit their past actions and come to terms with what they'd done. Teyla shook her head, pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind. Her feelings for Kanaan and the pain of losing her people were still too fresh. She didn't have the energy to contemplate the complications of her and John's relationship.

Teyla heaved another sigh and rose from the floor. She remembered how angry John had been when she'd told him of her first pregnancy, but that had only been due to her putting herself and her child in danger. He'd been there for her and supported her in every way once she finally accepted that fact that going on missions was too dangerous. Of course, after the baby was born he'd pretty much steered clear of her, but she wasn't sure if that was because newborns made him nervous or if it was because of Kanaan. Either way it didn't matter. She only had to see him with Torren now to know that he would be a kind and caring father. Whether he would actually be happy to be a father was another story.

Teyla looked at the clock and wondered if John was in his office or his quarters. She considered waiting until tomorrow to give her time to process the information, to prepare her words, but knew she was just procrastinating. It was better to just get this over with and now was as good of a time as ever.