MGM owns SGA
Little ol' Des owns little to nothin'
Stargate: Atlantis
TAG TO TRIO
By Destiny Brighthope
-11-
Jennifer
The Morning After
"What have I done?" Jennifer waved her hand over the sensor on the nightstand. The inset lamp activated, illuminating a couple of stray condoms, a beige bra, and a colorful pair of male boxers. She closed her eyes and counted to ten. Nothing changed. Clothing still scattered the floor, and Rodney McKay still lay in her bed.
Advice from long ago resurfaced to mock her: Don't waste a good man on a one-night stand. If you want a future with the guy, take it slow. Experience had taught her that to ignore the advice was to invite heartbreak.
Not again. Not with Rodney. What Jennifer wouldn't give to have gone to bed with someone else—someone who didn't matter to her. Think, Keller. You're supposed to be a genius. There must be a way to salvage this relationship.
Given enough time, she might have been able to think of one. But just then Rodney stirred. In the muted light, his hair stuck up wildly in all directions. The impulse to reach over and smooth it down was almost irresistible.
"Good morning, beautiful," Rodney crooned, tugging at her forearm. "Come back to bed."
When the astrophysicist smiled at her like that, there was little she could deny him. A drugging kiss and soft, lazy caresses threatened to rekindle the previous evening's passion. For a split second, Jennifer let herself believe all would be well. Then Rodney spoke again.
"Jennifer, I have to ask, what was last night?"
Let the awkwardness begin, she thought bitterly.
"I know what it meant to me," he continued. "I just want to make sure we're on the same page."
There it was, an out. She could say that last night was a lapse in judgment and, while she had no regrets, they should forget about it. If she picked her words carefully, she might even leave room for a repeat performance down the line.
If only she'd kept her head and ended the date with a kiss, or even a make-out session. But you had to give it up on the first date. He probably thinks you're a slut. Hot tears leaked from her eyes.
"Jennifer, if you don't answer soon, I'll start babbling. I really need you to save me from myself here."
"Honey, I don't think anyone can do that." The words rushed out of her mouth honest and unfiltered. She might as well continue the trend. "What last night was is up to you. If you like, it can be a simple thank you for saving my life."
"A card and a box of chocolates is a simple thank you. But last night?" He shook his head and grinned. "Mind you, I'm not complaining."
The grin was a punch to the gut. Jennifer swallowed hard and tried to mask her disappointment. But her mouth refused to smile, so she buried her face in his chest where he couldn't see her. "Okay," she murmured. "That's fine by me."
He cleared his throat. "I thought you said it was my decision."
"I did, and you made it very clear what that decision was." Why was he teasing her? It wasn't fair.
"When exactly did I do that?"
"Just now when you said that..." She trailed off. What had he said?
Rodney wrapped his arms around her. "When I said that last night was incredible and way beyond simple gratitude?"
Point taken. Jennifer wet her lips. "Then, what do you want?"
"Breakfast."
"Breakfast?" She shook her head. "Okay."
"Then lunch."
"All right."
"Also dinner."
"Three meals in one day?" This time her smile came naturally. "Now, you're getting clingy."
"Clingy?" He acted hurt. "Dear lady, you wound me."
She made a great show of considering his words. Then she nuzzled his throat. "Okay, I'll go to dinner with you."
Rodney clucked his tongue. "Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer. You have to learn to stick to your convictions. If three meals is too much for you—"
"I am sticking to my convictions. You're only getting two meals with me today."
"But you said—"
"It's nearly nine." She jerked a thumb at the clock. "There's no way we'll make it to breakfast in time."
"It's the weekend. They serve till ten."
Jennifer rolled over and snatched a condom from the nightstand. "But, honey, I'm not letting you out of bed until at least eleven."
[end]
Welcome to the end of yet another of Des's little day trips to the wild side. Plenty more to come. Some M, Und T. Keep an eye on Destiny's McKeller Flash Fiction Stories. A sequel to this tag may show up there.
Thanks to all you brave, wonderful reviewers and to those shy souls who put this story and this humble author on alert. ;) You keep me motivated.
Till next time, darlings,
Des