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Chapter 7

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"What's the little smile for?" Jennifer Keller asked as she approached Teyla sitting at a table by the ocean. She had noticed that Teyla had been acting strange lately. She would seem bereft at times, and that was understandable considering the Colonel's death but then she had seen these private little smiles on occasion too and wondered what was causing them. Though she had to admit she liked the smiles because it meant something was pleasing to Teyla and Lord knew the woman could use something pleasing in her life.

Teyla looked up and seemed surprised that anyone was standing near her. She had definitely been lost in her own little world. "Oh, I am sorry, Jennifer, I did not realize that you were there. I must have been preoccupied with my thoughts."

Jennifer pointed to the chair silently asking if she could join her. Teyla nodded and Jennifer settled her tray on the table and took note of the small amount of food on Teyla's tray. Perhaps she had already finished much of it but she knew Teyla had not been eating as well lately. Unfortunately Rodney had gone in the opposite direction with his grief and was eating larger amounts than typical.

"Not having lunch with Torren today?" Jennifer restarted the conversation.

Teyla shook her head and replied, "No, I have many things to do and he was still napping when I checked. But I do not have time to eat later as I have several meetings with Mr. Woolsey. I will make sure to stop in and see him later this afternoon. And then of course we will be together all evening until he goes to sleep."

"So what was that little smile you were wearing a few minutes ago? Something good happen?"

Teyla actually blushed and lowered her gaze as if embarrassed. She then looked around at the empty tables nearby and then back at Jennifer.

"I was just remembering a very nice dream I had last night. It was so real and pleasant and I was wishing I could go back there."

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "Want to tell me about it. Was there someone special in it?"

Teyla's affable expression changed immediately and grew forlorn. She took a deep breath in and schooled her features. "Colonel Sheppard was in it."

Jennifer now took in a deep breath. "But it was a happy dream you said, right?"

Teyla nodded. "Yes, it was lovely. He and I were in a large field of flowers and we had Torren with us. Torren was toddling between the high grasses and trying to play Hide and Seek with us. John, of course was being quite silly and pretending to lose him. Then Torren would giggle giving away his position although we always knew exactly where he was. Torren was not aware that we could see him behind the thin blades of grass."

Jennifer watched as Teyla's eyes misted over and she felt hers grow damp as well. The loss of Colonel Sheppard had been felt by all on base and even though it had been a month since he had been gone, his absence was still very apparent to all.

"Just be thankful it was a nice dream," Jennifer said as she took a sip of her water. "Rodney's had a few dreams where he wakes up screaming. When I asked him about them, he says they're about the Colonel blowing up on the hive ship and Rodney can't get to him in time. He still feels so guilty that Atlantis wasn't able to get here before that happened."

Teyla took another deep breath and closed her eyes for a few seconds. "I suppose I should be thankful then that my dreams have been much more pleasant."

"Dreams?" Jennifer clarified. "You've had more than the one last night?"

Teyla looked guilty and took a bite of her salad to keep from answering. Jennifer noticed this and kept her curious gaze on her friend. Teyla glanced back then nodded.

"Yes, I have dreamt of him every night for the past three weeks." She looked around again to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation and added, "And they have felt so real, Jennifer. I wake and it is as if he had been lying right there next to me in my bed."

Jennifer's eyes widened. "So are these dreams … sexual in nature. You and the Colonel weren't … well you know, … before?"

"We were not," Teyla assured her. "But right before he left I informed him that Kanaan and I have merely been friends. He had not known this and it seemed to … make a difference. He said we would need to discuss it once he got back from his mission. Obviously you know that did not happen."

Jennifer sighed at the unfortunate turn of events, saddened for her friend and her lost opportunity at love. But she wondered what was causing Teyla to have all these dreams. Her guilt at not letting the Colonel know about her feelings earlier?

"So the dream you had last night was the three of you. But have there been some that are only you and Colonel Sheppard?"

"Yes," Teyla answered and blushed again. "Some have been very intimate. But what is perplexing is how unbelievably real they seem. And maybe I will sound like I am crazy, but there are times during the day where I almost feel John's presence near me."

Teyla looked up at the doctor and her eyes filled again. "Am I going crazy, Jennifer? Why is it so often I sense him here with me? I know he is not and I am very aware that he will not be coming back but when I feel his presence it calms me and allows me to push through the day. Is it because I still do not wish to accept his loss?"

"It could be," Jennifer responded though she too was puzzled. Having dreams was not uncommon after someone passed away but to have them be realistic and for Teyla to feel the Colonel's presence during the day, that was odd. But Teyla had always been very intuitive and could read people better than most. It was what made her a great diplomat. Was she now able to connect to those who had passed from this world as well?

"You know when my Mom passed away, my Dad used to say he could still feel her around the house. I used to think he meant all the little things she had left behind. He kept much of the house the same way she had always kept it. But I remember one day when I was almost thinking of quitting Med School, I went into her old sewing room and just wrapped myself in a quilt that she had made. It was the weirdest thing but I honestly felt her presence in that room telling me that I could do it. I felt her warmth and love and encouragement and knew that whatever decision I made she would be okay with it. But I also knew that being a doctor was what was right for me. It only happened that one time when I was desperately in need but to this day, I swear she was there in that room with me."

Teyla gazed at Jennifer thoughtfully. "So you believe that John's spirit is visiting me to help me in some way."

"I don't know, Teyla," Jennifer replied honestly. "But the Colonel cared for you deeply, both you and Torren. Maybe he just needs to make sure you're both okay before he can move on to another realm of existence."

Teyla wiped away a stray tear that had escaped from the corner of her eye. "John always did feel very protective of everyone. It would be just like him to think he still needed to protect Torren and me."

"He was especially protective of you, Teyla," Jennifer pointed out. "I can name a few times he went a little over and above to get you away from some danger. It wouldn't surprise me to think he's just continuing with that mission. But do the dreams bother you? Because I'm sure I can give you something to help you sleep better without dreaming."

"No," Teyla replied quickly. "Though I wake up with such sadness when I remember his fate, I welcome the beauty of the dreams and the special times we share in them. I am not sure I am ready to give them up just yet."

"Are the dreams always the same or are they different each time?"

Teyla looked pensive and tilted her head at the question. "They are not exactly the same yet there have been a few that are perhaps similar in nature. Do you think that means anything?"

Jennifer shrugged. "I'm not a dream analyst but they say sometimes your dreams mean something. Maybe you should start keeping a journal of what they are. Then you can go over them and look for a pattern or some hidden meaning in them. It certainly wouldn't hurt."

"That is a good idea. I think I will do that," Teyla agreed then got a funny expression on her face. "Jennifer, you do not think that perhaps John ascended right before the hive ship blew up and is now visiting me to assure that I am well?"

Jennifer's eyes lit up and she gave a crooked smile. "If you had asked me that years ago, I would have thought you were nuts but after all I've seen and read about the Ancients, it's very possible. And the Colonel had the strongest Ancient gene we know of. He also spent the equivalent of six months meditating with those Ancients who did ascend. I guess you can't rule it out."

Teyla nodded and took a few more bites of her salad as she thought about what Jennifer had said. If John had ascended then it would explain why she felt his presence so strongly at times. But remembering back to when they had finally rescued him from the cloister she also remembered the woman who had seemed to want John to join her in ascension. He had not been ready at the time and Teyla had been relieved. But now, had John finally followed her and been reunited?

That thought brought a tiny stab of jealousy to her stomach and she knew she was being silly. But if John was now an ascended Ancient and with Teer, why was he coming back to be with her? The little smile she had been wearing when Jennifer first arrived, returned.

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John felt the pain radiate across his back and stifled the groan that threatened to flow from his mouth. He took a few steps away and looked at the woman who had just caused it.

"You have not been practicing, John," Teyla accused in her sweet but stern voice.

John narrowed his eyes as he lifted his sticks defensively. "I'm practicing now with you, aren't I?

Teyla sighed and swung her bantos rods around a few times then struck out at him once again. "If you wish to advance then you must practice."

John defended her thrusts and their sticks clicked a few more times in battle. "Who said I wished to advance? Maybe I just like watching you prance around in that outfit. I have to admit you look pretty hot in it."

"It is very warm in here with all the movement," Teyla pretended to misunderstand his meaning. John could tell by the mischievous look in her eyes that she knew exactly what he meant.

Another blow landed on his shoulder and he took a few steps back. He raised his arm and lowered his head to wipe the sweat from his face with his sleeve. He was happy to see Teyla was glistening with moisture too. But he knew on her it simply looked amazing and sexy as hell.

"Just warm?" John teased as he went on the offensive but was blocked at every turn by her parries. "I'll bet we could get it to be really hot in here if we actually tried."

Teyla struck out at him again and he managed to block this time and they ended with their sticks pressed against the others and their faces within inches of each other.

"Interested in making things really hot?" John's mouth twisted into a smirk and his eyes danced with mischief.

Teyla lifted one eyebrow and replied softly, "What did you have in mind, John? There are many things that could cause us to become really hot."

Teyla pushed him away and twirled her sticks in preparation to strike again. John spun his sticks too then attempted to thwart her moves. He managed for a few moments then she spun around and he felt a hard hit to his backside then the back of his legs that caused him to stumble to his knees. Teyla moved in quickly and pressed her rod against his throat to hold him securely against her heaving chest. John could think of no better place he'd like to be.

Well maybe having her against his front might be better. He leaned back and tilted his head up at her and gave her a dazzling smile. One intended to charm her exclusively. She simply chuckled and rolled her eyes at his attempts.

"You are hopeless," Teyla muttered as she pushed him away though her tone held amusement. "If you truly wish to win in battle, you must put in a greater effort."

John just laughed as he fell to the floor. He'd put in a better effort but it wouldn't be in stick fighting.

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"Release him," Athena ordered as she placed the wooden stick back in her box of tricks.

She watched as the handsome Colonel was freed from his shackles and fell to the floor. He lay there unmoving and soundless however she knew he was still conscious. He baffled her, this one. He was determined not to cry out or beg for her to stop, yet he was obviously in much pain as she abused his body. She marveled at the control he seemed to have.

She saw him curl into himself and cradle his stomach. She had intentionally concentrated on this area today to see if she could get some sort of a response from him; more than the few whimpers that were typical. But it seemed the longer he was here, the less of a response she got. She wondered if he was becoming immune to the stimulus of pain. Perhaps she would need to ramp up his program. But she did not want him permanently damaged. She still needed him to get the Ancient device working. She had plans once it did.

She would continue as before and knew eventually he would break and beg to help her in her plans. An evil smile crossed her features as she thought about tomorrow. The Rod of Anguish always got the best response from the Colonel. His muscles would twitch and his face would twist into a grimace and she always managed to get a few screams from him when she first started using it.

She waved at her associates and followed them out the door. Her guest was still lying on the floor but she noticed a tiny smile cross his face and wondered what he could possibly have to smile about.

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John looked up as Teyla sat astride him, having knocked him down yet again with her sticks. Her weight pressed onto his stomach and her bantos rod lay across his neck.

Her eyes narrowed as she accused, "I believe you enjoy being in this position, John."

John grinned. "What's not to like?" And he moved his hands to rest on her hips.

Teyla took a deep breath and shook her head. "You are incorrigible. I should not encourage this behavior."

"Yes, you should," he nodded with a devilish smirk. "You should encourage it a lot."

Teyla felt him raise his knees behind her and it pushed her forward as his hands slid up her back and pulled her closer to his chest. She gave in to the inevitable and slid the stick away from his neck to place her hands on either side of his head. John lifted his head and nuzzled his nose into her neck.

"I am all sweaty, John," Teyla complained as she felt his hands caress the skin between her top and bottom.

"Yeah, I know," he wiggled his eyebrows at her. "I'm hoping I can get you even sweatier. Maybe get me even sweatier."

Teyla laughed but allowed his lips to nibble along her neck as she ran her fingers through his disheveled hair and held his head close to her. She had to admit he was very talented with his lips. And the hands certainly knew what to do also.

Right now they were attempting to slide under her snug top but were being frustrated at the close fit. They gave up for the moment but then doubled their efforts as they glided up her legs and slipped under the panels of her skirt where they kneaded her behind.

Teyla's indrawn breath put a smile on John's face and Teyla had to admit she was enjoying the ending of their session. She moved her head and pressed her lips to John's and he continued to caress her backside. His tongue came out and infiltrated her mouth and Teyla didn't even try and defend it. She rushed into the fray and battled so her own tongue was inside his mouth. Her hands continued to push through his hair as her chest rested against his.

They kissed and touched for a while longer then John pushed himself to a sitting position with Teyla in his lap still facing him.

"I think I may need a little help figuring out this top, Teyla."

"Perhaps you are not worthy to remove it if you cannot figure it out yourself." Her eyes shown with merriment at the perplexed look he gave her and the aforementioned top.

But he moved his hands to the straps on her shoulders and undid those first. They fell exposing the tops of her bronzed globes and his lips dipped to take a little taste of the silky skin. Teyla closed her eyes in bliss at the feel of his lips against her breasts but wished the top was a bit looser so more of her was exposed.

"I do not think that qualifies as being completely successful, John," she challenged knowing he would take the bait. "Most of the garment is still on me."

John narrowed his eyes and ran his hands over the back and found the hidden hooks that kept the fabric so tight. His mouth twisted as he managed first one then the rest of the hooks and Teyla's beautiful mounds fell right into his waiting hands. He swept the garment aside and stroked from her shoulders to her waist. Teyla leaned back against his knees which were bent behind her and raised her head to the ceiling as he worked his magic on her front.

John couldn't believe he was sitting here with Teyla in his lap and her naked top glistening with moisture for his eyes and hands to enjoy. And he was enjoying. Very much. The weight of her in his hands was just perfect and exquisitely sensual. He squeezed and released and caressed and then stroked further down her abdomen as she arched her back.

She opened her eyes as John paused and knew she was getting the better end of the deal. She reached her own hands out and grasped the bottom of his damp t-shirt and tugged upward. John assisted by taking the neck and pulling it over his head. Teyla smiled her thanks and allowed her hands to linger on his muscular shoulders then glide down his pectorals to play with the chain around his neck.

"Do you ever take these off, John?" Teyla asked curiously. He had been wearing them in all their physical encounters lately.

"Not usually," John responded as his hands ran over Teyla's back while she played with his front. "Sometimes if I'm in the infirmary they might remove them but typically they're for identifying a soldier who's been injured or killed so you really don't want to take them off if you don't have to."

Teyla merely nodded and continued to move her fingers down his torso, following the line of hair that arrowed south. John saw where she was going and knew he didn't want to move too fast. He had a lot he wanted to do to her first.

He pressed her back against his knees and dropped tiny kisses along her neck and throat then moved lower to stroke his tongue across her breasts and then surround the erect nipples that were becoming tighter with each little kiss he gave them.

Teyla's back arched some more and a small groan escaped her lips as he pulled her hard nub into his mouth and suckled. He rubbed and massaged the other mound as he assaulted the first. He could feel Teyla begin to wiggle her hips and knew the desire was building inside her. He wanted to build it even higher.

He grabbed Teyla's ass and pushed until she was kneeling higher and his mouth was parallel to her navel. He outlined it with his tongue then snuck it inside. Teyla's hands held his head tight as her hips swayed from side to side and tiny whimpers left her throat. His hands moved back up and caressed her perfect orbs yet again and Teyla guided his lips back to their centers for more gratification.

John took his fingers and caressed the edge of her sparring skirt and was just about to lower it when he heard voices coming from the hallway. The door was shut but they hadn't locked it. He jumped to his feet and threw his t-shirt at her, indicating she should put it on quick. There wasn't time for her to finagle her way into her complicated Athosian garment. John pulled a towel from his gym bag and draped it around his neck.

He picked up her top and thrust it inside his bag while Teyla stuffed her rods inside hers. By the time the door opened they were standing near it and swiftly rushed through with a quick greeting. Luckily it was Ronon and Amelia who threw them knowing looks as they sauntered past to the nearest transporter.

Teyla breathed a huge sigh of relief and let out a chuckle as they entered the small room. John's stare was intense as he devoured her with his eyes. He took a fast glance at the display and touched it. When the doors shut he rapidly closed the distance and began ravishing Teyla's mouth and body with his lips and hands once again.

"John!" Teyla admonished breathlessly. "The doors will be opening again momentarily and we will be seen by all who are in the vicinity. I am still wearing your t-shirt and you are not wearing any shirt. I think people will figure out what we were doing."

John spun her around to face the display and sidled up close behind her. "I sent us to one of the balconies on the other side of the city. This place has a great view."

And the doors opened and Teyla saw that they were on a small balcony overlooking much of the city and the ocean surrounding it. John slid his arms around her and took the few steps to remove them from the transporter. He dropped the gym bags they had been carrying and slid his hand under her loose shirt to caress her curves again.

Teyla's head tilted back to rest on his shoulder and she reached up to pull his head down to nuzzle her neck as his hands continued arousing her flesh. John happily complied and took little nibbles and bites along her neck and the part of her shoulder that was exposed by the too big shirt she now wore.

His hands drifted south after a while and soon they were slipping under the skirt around her hips and moving even lower. Teyla leaned further against him and more whimpers sounded as her stomach clenched and retracted allowing him more room to slide in his hands. He ground his manhood into her bottom and felt himself grow with anticipation.

Soon his fingers were swirling through the curls that protected her womanly center then pushing even further. John spent a few more minutes teasing along her folds then one brave finger entered her core finding it moist and slick and ready for him. It was almost his undoing. This time the groan was from him.

"God, Teyla, I can't believe you're so wet already. I don't even have to do anything. I could slide right into you and we'd be all set to go."

Teyla's hands covered his arms and she nodded. "Yes, we would be."

John didn't need an engraved invitation; Teyla's words were enough for him. He slipped his thumbs in the waistband of her skirt and pulled down enough to expose her gorgeous backside to his view. He rubbed his hands over that for only a short time then tugged on his waistband enough to allow his arousal to pop free. He gave it a quick stroking then slid it between Teyla's curvaceous cheeks sending him into ecstasy.

He bent over her, causing her to bend as well then he slid his shaft inside her warm folds, her walls tightening around him. Their moans mingled together as John stilled to relish the feel of him encased tightly inside her. She leaned against the railing with her head resting on her arms as she also reveled in his fulfillment of her.

John slipped his hands under her shirt again and caressed her breasts as he began to slowly slide in and out of her center. He kept it slow at first, wanting to delight in every second of being where he was but soon he found the desire inside him began to spike and his thrusts grew quicker and more powerful. His breathing picked up and he could feel Teyla's chest heaving as well.

Soon her cries were being carried away in the breeze and he was glad he had chosen this remote location in which to finish their earlier activities. No sense advertising what they were doing, especially not in this semi-public area. Though looking around, John knew no one could actually get to this balcony unless they used the transporter and specifically chose here.

John felt Teyla shudder and shake and her gratification made his own desire crank up a notch and he drove further and deeper inside then felt his own release. He tightened his arms around her and pressed his lips to her neck while whispering words of caring and love to her.

Once they both were able to get their breathing under control John eased himself away from her and tucked his now replete manhood back inside his running pants. Teyla took another few moments to sag against the railing and John just absorbed the amazing sight of her curvaceous rear end on view for his pleasure. And seeing it sure did give him pleasure. Though he had to admit the closer contact had been mind-blowing.

Teyla suddenly turned around and slid her skirt back into place. Her eyes looked frantic.

"John, you must quickly eat or you will not get anything today. Please leave before they come again."

John looked at her puzzled then something inside him nudged him back to another world. One he had no desire to go back to. This reality was so much more pleasant. But Teyla was right, it wouldn't do him any good to hang around here too long. Soon enough he could slip back here without their noticing but now he had to make sure he was set for the night.

He kissed Teyla's sweet lips and promised, "I'll be back soon. Don't go anywhere."

Teyla just smiled and her smile held a promise for him.

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John opened his eyes and saw the bowl of mush on the floor and quickly grabbed it to start eating what he could. He limped over to the alcove, his injured leg twinging more than usual. He relieved himself just as he heard the door being unlocked. He slipped the bowl under the faucet and managed a small amount of water before he was roughly hauled back to his inky blackness.

But as the door closed and the darkness enveloped him, his smile returned. "I'm back, Teyla. I told you I wouldn't be gone long."

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