.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
.
John hauled the last of the bags out to the car and ran through a mental list making sure he had closed up the house adequately. He knew Charlie Brewer would be over next week as they had another family renting the place right after. But he didn't need to make extra work for Charlie with washing and cleaning things. He appreciated how well the man took care of the place. You could never tell it was empty more than half of the year.
It had been nice seeing Charlie again yesterday and meeting his family. Rosa had come over with Domino and Mr. Papp had come too for an old fashioned cook out and lobster fest. It was strange though meeting Charlie's teenage kids where he and Dave were just starting families. But the two teenagers had doted on Torren and he had lapped up all the attention he could get.
John looked over at TJ sitting patiently on the porch and smiled when he saw what else the little boy had gotten. Rosa Brewer wasn't the only one with Spaniels. Charlie had a few miniature Spaniels and one had just had puppies a little over three months ago. Charlie's kids had made the mistake of showing TJ some pictures of the new puppies on their iphone. TJ had fallen in love and had begged John with the biggest, most pathetic eyes he had ever achieved. And it had worked.
He had discussed it with Teyla first and when they had discovered this breed didn't grow much taller than a foot and maximum weight was about twelve to eighteen pounds, they thought perhaps there would be enough room in their quarters for something that small. Heck, TJ had a teddy bear that was almost twice that size.
So they were now the proud owners of a Cavalier King Charles Miniature Spaniel, documents and everything. John didn't really care about the AKC stuff but he had told Charlie to keep the next few weeks rent for himself in lieu of them paying for the dog. Charlie had just wanted to give it to them but John wouldn't hear of it. He had done some research before they went over to get the dog and knew they could run some big money.
In his research he also found out that this breed was very good with children, pretty intelligent and didn't bark that often. He had also read that they were devoted to loved ones but sometimes suspicious around strangers. That wouldn't be a bad kind of pet for TJ to have. Sure they weren't big enough to actually protect the boy from anything but the dog would definitely be good company and perhaps teach him some responsibility.
That had been one thing TJ had insisted he would do; take care of the dog really well. And John thought maybe it was time for him to start having more responsibility. He knew he was only three and a half but he was a very mature child, having been around grownups so much, and John and Teyla would make sure he kept up with his responsibilities as he grew. And it would be a playmate for Torren when John and Teyla were busy with the new baby.
When they had gone over to pick out the puppy, John still hadn't been completely sold, they were just looking. But when he saw them and the way TJ's eyes lit up and the happiness radiating off his son's face, he knew they'd take one, Woolsey be damned.
John had taken one look at the black and tan face and stated, "Okay, TJ, we can do this as long as you know that you need to treat him gentle and help take care of him. And one more thing,…"
TJ looked a little nervous wondering what this last condition was. John just smiled and said, "I get to name him."
Torren had nodded quickly and pointed to the same one John had been eyeing and they soon became the owners of a dog with a list of all they would need for him. TJ had been ecstatic and had insisted the dog sleep with him last night. As it was the puppy's first night away from his mother, they had agreed but had also insisted they put a loudly ticking clock and warm blanket between them so TJ didn't accidentally roll over him.
Now TJ sat on the porch with the dog on a leash, petting him gently and scratching his back the way John had shown him. He looked up at John as he brought the soft carrying case Charlie had given them to travel in.
"Daddy, you got a name yet for a puppy."
John picked up the dog and held him in front of his face thinking of the possibilities. He actually thought the dog looked a bit like a miniature Chewbacca from Star Wars but then wondered how Ronon would react if they named the dog Chewie when John called him that frequently. He then thought of the black and tan color and knew he also reminded him of a nice glass of Irish ale.
"I think we'll call him … Guinness," John declared and Dave let out a loud bark of laughter as he moved behind his brother filling the trunk of his rental car, too.
"What?" John called back defensively. "He's the same color and not much bigger than a pint either."
Dave just smiled and said, "Actually John, it's a great name. What do you think, Torren?"
"Guinness," TJ tried out on the new dog and John knew it was good the child had finally been able to say the /g/ sound. For so long he'd substituted it with a /d/. That would have made for one confused puppy if he and Teyla had called him one thing and Torren's speech had called him something else.
The boy now nodded his head and repeated, "Guinness." He looked up at the dog John still held in his hands and checked, "You lite that name, Guinness?"
The dog wagged its long furry tail and John placed him down next to his son again. "I'll take that as a yes. Now you know he has to go in his carry case for the trip, right, Pal? But you can see right through these mesh sides and talk to him. It will be your job to keep him calm and let him know that everything's okay. Do you think you can handle that?"
"Yup, I tan," TJ agreed rapidly and began talking to the dog in a soft, calm voice like he'd heard his Mom and Dad do the last few hours and last night.
Soon they were driving to the airstrip in Trenton and boarding Dave's Cessna. John had to admit his brother sure did know how to travel in style. The big comfortable seats gave everyone plenty of room especially the ever growing women. Although John kept that fact to himself as he knew he would be tossed out of said comfortable aircraft if he said it out loud.
The trip was more than a few hours and TJ and the puppy actually fell asleep in the back watching '101 Dalmations'. John thought it was pretty ironic that they had brought that movie with them.
Teyla and Julia chatted and snoozed a bit while he and Dave sat closer to the front and discussed everything from Atlantis to the family business. Dave talked about the fact that he had just been featured in a National magazine as one of the up and coming Businessmen to Watch. He confided in John that he'd had a few women make moves on him since it had come out.
John laughed quietly and threw a look back at the dozing women. "I'll keep my lips sealed. As long as you didn't take them up on their offer, though, I don't think you'll have any problems."
John thought back to the few times this vacation that he had been recognized. The little boy and his Dad had been fine but the xenophobic jerk after who had yelled and made TJ cry had not been. There had been one other incident but John admitted that had made up for the jerk in some ways.
They had been on the sandy beach of Echo Lake a few days earlier and John had been playing with TJ in the water. TJ had noticed that the man splashing around next to them was also wearing dog tags and had pointed it out in his usual boisterous way.
The man had introduced himself and said he was a Second Lieutenant stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base down in Massachusetts. He had just gotten married and was there on his honeymoon. They had chatted a bit and when he found out exactly who John was, he had snapped a salute at him.
"Colonel Sheppard, it's an honor to meet you. You must know you're a complete legend in the Air Force."
John had given him the typical crooked grin that tried to hide his awkwardness. He especially started worrying when the man had looked at TJ who had run back to Teyla to show her something. The man was eyeing her rounded figure and John wondered what his opinion would be of Teyla and him having a child. He had been pleasantly surprised by his response.
"That's your wife, right, Sir? She's the one from another planet, isn't she?" John had clenched his hands at this statement but allowed the man to continue with a nod.
"You don't know how cool I think that is. I mean when you think of other planets you think of Star Wars and funny looking aliens but to think that even in other galaxies there are human beings just like us, well it completely boggles the mind. People can be raised in such far distance places and still be so amazingly alike. We all have that common denominator that just removes any differences we might have had growing up in diverse environments."
John had agreed and continued to talk to the man and discuss what he did for the service and where he wanted to go. John had made a few suggestions for getting ahead, mostly NOT doing what he had done in his career. But the Lieutenant had disagreed.
"Maybe you think what you did had no impact on where you ended up but maybe it did and made you who you are today."
John thought him very wise and told him he'd be even wiser if he made sure to spend lots of time pampering his wife and letting her know how much he loved her. The soldier didn't disagree.
But even with that positive interaction John still preferred not to be recognized or pointed out. But ever since the news report a little over a year ago, it seemed so many magazines and newspapers still reported any news about the people who had been featured in it. Luckily on Atlantis he didn't usually have to deal with it. But Dave liked to send him anything he found and John hated to admit it was still far more than he'd like.
Dave's limo was waiting for them at the airport and once the bags had been loaded, they quickly made it back to the ranch. It was approaching dinner time and John hoped Dave and Julia's fridge had some food in it that could be consumed without too much preparation.
He needn't have worried though as Josie met them at the door with a huge hug and the news that dinner was just about ready. He could have kissed her. And he probably would have if Guinness hadn't started barking.
That woke Torren out of his travel induced stupor and he wiggled to be released from his father's arms. He grabbed Josie's hand and pulled her to see the dog carrier that Teyla was holding.
"Loot, I got a puppy and his name is Guinness. Daddy name him that betause he say he loot lite beer. He so silly but it otay tause I weally love him and you know what, he love me too alweady."
Torren looked at Teyla and she nodded that he could take the dog out of his carrying case. She handed him the leash and Torren slipped it on his collar, having practiced a million times earlier in the day. He didn't want the dog running away.
Then he carefully picked up the small puppy that barely weighed five pounds, holding him like John had showed him and walked carefully back to Josie. The dog licked TJ's face and he squealed then said, "See, he love me alweady."
"Of course he does, sweetie," Josie agreed. "You're pretty easy to love. Come on, let's get him in the house. I'll bet he could use some water after your long trip."
Dave and John brought in all the bags as the ladies followed Josie into the kitchen. Dinner was quiet as everyone was tired from the day of travel except TJ who kept peeking in the corner of the kitchen where they had settled Guinness, some food and a puppy toy. Teyla had to keep reminding him to eat.
After dinner the grownups all sat around watching TJ and the puppy tire each other out. They were taking bets on who would go first but were truly enjoying the boy having so much fun with his new pet.
By eight PM, John decided it was time to get them both in bed. He knew they wouldn't last much longer so he got the leash and he and TJ took the dog outside. Luckily Charlie and his family had trained the dog well and he knew just what to do out there.
Once cleaned up and in pajamas, TJ gave kisses all around and John and Teyla both tucked him into bed; the dog in his comfortable little dog bed right beside Torren.
"Now, you know, Pal, that he won't always be able to sleep right up here next to you," John informed the boy. "We're allowing it these first few days because we know Guinness probably misses his Mom and he needs someone close by. And you've had a double bed here and in Maine. But once we get back to Atlantis you have a much smaller bed and so the puppy will have to go on the floor."
"But he need a bed, Daddy," Torren almost sobbed.
"And he has one," Teyla reminded him, pointing out the soft, oval shaped bed the dog was lying in. "But we will need to put his bed on the floor as there will not be enough room on your bed for the both of you."
Torren looked worried but John assured him, "You'll be right next to him in the bed and once he's used to his own little bed, he should be fine. But for the next few days he can sleep up here with you."
"Otay," Torren conceded sadly and stroked the puppy's head gently. "You tan stay here tonight and until we go bat to Atlantis but then you need a have your bed on the floor, otay, Guinness. But I will be wight next to you and so you don't need a worwy."
The dog licked his hand a few times and TJ giggled at the feeling. He then looked up and asked, "You wead us a storwy, Daddy?"
Teyla smiled knowingly and John nodded even though it was much later than Torren normally went to bed. "Sure, what story do you think Guinness wants to hear?"
Torren scooted to the end of the bed and stuck his hand in his toy bag and pulled one out. "I thint he will lite this one."
John and Teyla both laughed and Teyla agreed, "Yes, I think you are correct. But you know this one so well perhaps you should read it to Guinness."
Torren nodded vigorously and showed the book to the tired puppy. "This boot is talled 'Go, Dog, Go' and it one of my favorites."
John and Teyla flanked the small child as he started telling Guinness about the big dogs and little dogs and black and white dogs. John knew Torren couldn't read but this one was fairly simple and followed the illustrations exactly. But by the time the dogs had all gone to the big dog party, Guinness was fast asleep and John was holding the book as Torren slid further under the covers.
"Do you like my hat?" Teyla read off one of the last lines and Torren sleepily responded, "I do, I lite that big party hat. Good bye."
Both John and Teyla echoed, "Good bye and good night."
John closed the book and pressed his lips to TJ's head and smoothed his curls away from his face. Teyla took her turn and then they dimmed the lights and left the door ajar as they walked back into the den where Julia and Dave still sat.
"Everyone all settled down to sleep?" Dave smirked at John.
John looked sheepish as he sat down next to Teyla on the other side of the sectional. "I know, I'm a pushover but TJ's face when he was playing with Domino all week was just too precious. And he was really good with him."
Dave's smile turned completely genuine. "I think it's a great idea, John. Kids do need a dog. I've been trying to talk Julia into getting one but …"
"Just what we need with a new baby on the way," Julia griped sarcastically. "I told him maybe when the baby's a little older. You'll have to tell us how well TJ does with taking care of him and then we'll know a good age."
"I am quite certain Torren will need a good deal of reminders and assistance with his new chores," Teyla said, "but he is a very well behaved and mature child and with the right amount of guidance I believe it will benefit him in the long run."
"And he'll be the only person, kid or adult, with a dog in the city so he may end up getting other people who want to play with Guinness if he's too tired to do it. I read that they're actually pretty good runners so I may even take him out running with me once he gets a bit older. Supposedly they're full grown by about ten months old."
Teyla gazed anxiously at Dave and Julia. "I hope you do not mind that we are leaving the puppy here with you, too. I know you had only agreed to watch Torren for us."
"It's fine, Teyla," Julia assured her. "I'm sure Guinness will keep Torren busy and it will keep David out of trouble for a while too."
Dave glared at his wife and Julia just threw him a sassy look that said go ahead, dispute that fact. Dave knew better than to dispute anything his wife said now that she was far along in her raging hormonal state. But he also knew he would do anything for her. This woman meant more to him than anyone else. And he was very excited about becoming a father especially as John had made it look so easy.
"Now make sure you two enjoy the wedding and don't worry about Torren while you're there," Dave advised John and Teyla as he turned on the TV and changed the channel to a movie they had all agreed to watch. "I'm sure between Julia and I we can figure out how to take care of one three and half year old boy."
"And if we can't," Julia inserted, "Josie will be around and she raised a few children of her own. And there's always my sister, Tessa. She just had her second a few months ago. Did I tell you this?"
"Yes," Teyla smiled happily. "You said they had a boy and his name is … Robert, is that correct?"
Julia nodded and John looked at Teyla with relief that she had paid attention. He had remembered that Tessa and her husband Paul had had another child but he was pretty sure he hadn't taken notice of the name.
"That's right," Julia replied. "And I know Hannah keeps asking about seeing TJ so we thought we might bring him over there while you two were at the wedding."
"He'd love that," John agreed. "He loves to watch the video of your wedding and every time he does he asks about Hannah and when he'll see her again. Appreciate your getting them together."
And he truly did. He appreciated everything Dave and Julia were doing for them as well as allowing them to stay here for a few nights. John leaned back on the couch and pulled Teyla into his shoulder. Her head nestled snugly against him and he sighed when he felt her contentment.
So far this sensing her emotions thing was really pleasant and having her happy made him very happy.
.
xoxoxoxoxoxox.
.
"This is from…" Julia called out as she opened up the small card that was attached to the nicely wrapped gift, "John, Teyla and Torren."
Teyla bowed her head when Julia looked her way and smiled. She was at the Country Club in a smaller room than the one David and Julia had celebrated their wedding reception in and Julia was opening presents that she was being 'showered' with.
David had told John and her about this while they were in Maine and he had known Julia would love for Teyla to be at her baby shower. John had brought her out to the store just this morning and they had wavered back and forth over what to get. Many of the gifts on the baby registry were already gone but then Teyla had made a suggestion and John had run with the idea.
Julia unwrapped the gift and her smile grew bigger when she lifted the box containing the compact video camera from the paper. "It's perfect, Teyla. Thank you!"
"John and I wish to be kept informed of all this new child does and we thought this would be far easier than trying to get the child to perform in front of the web cam on the laptop."
Julia laughed and was handed another gift from Tessa. Teyla shifted in her seat and took a sip from her water. Josie, who was sitting next to her leaned forward and whispered, "Do you need me to get you something, honey?"
Teyla smiled sweetly and responded, "I am fine, Josie. Thank you for your concern. I am looking forward to the food that is displayed on the tables though."
Josie patted her hand and leaned back in her seat to watch as Julia opened the last few gifts. Once she was done, she stood, arched her back and thanked everyone again for coming and for the lovely presents. She then waved her hand in the direction of the food and told everyone to enjoy.
Teyla saw Julia head over to the table she had been sitting at and gave her a warm hug. "Thank you, Teyla, for the very thoughtful gift. I didn't know Tessa was planning on doing this today. I'm sorry you got dragged here when you only have a few days left of your vacation."
Teyla shook her head as she replied, "I am most honored that Tessa thought to include me in this special day. It is a lovely ritual to be showered with so many gifts for the child and so much love. You are indeed lucky to have so many friends who care deeply for you."
Julia looked around cautiously and tucked her hand in Teyla's as she guided her to the banquet table.
"Well, to be truthful, some of these people aren't exactly friends. Some of them are business acquaintances. I think Tessa got the names from my secretary who thought I would want these people here. It's fine though. I just don't want you thinking that these are the people I hang out with by choice, especially after you talk to some of them."
"I understand. Such is the life of a diplomat."
The two women got food and sat together with Josie. Tessa joined them too with Hannah tagging closely behind.
"So where are the men right now?" Tessa asked as she cut some of Hannah's meal for her. "Paul's at home with the baby. I hope David and John are doing something much more fun."
"I believe they were planning on taking Torren to ride the horses this afternoon. Torren has hardly spoken of much else since we decided to take this vacation."
"Mommy," Hannah called out at hearing Torren's name. "You told me I was gonna see Torren but he's not here."
"He'll be here for a few more days, honey," Julia informed her niece. "I'll make sure you get a chance to play with him, okay?"
"I believe David and John were planning to come here after the shower had ended so they could bring your gifts back home. I am sure Torren will be with them. He is very eager to see you again as well, Hannah. He loves watching the video of when you were dancing together and playing at the wedding."
Hannah looked excited. "I watch that all the time, too, don't I, Mommy?"
"Yes," Tessa almost rolled her eyes. "All the time."
Teyla took several bites of her meal and complimented, "Tessa, the food is wonderful. Thank you so much for thinking of me when you arranged for this shower. It was very thoughtful and I appreciate being included."
"I'm glad we could arrange it for when you were here. Veronica put up a bit of a stink since she originally had a tennis game planned for today but I knew Julia would really want you here. She told me a bit about her visit to Atlantis and showed me some pictures. The place is truly amazing. You must love living there."
The talk turned to discussion of the city but Teyla made sure to keep it light. After all Hannah was sitting right there and she knew Julia had not told her family exactly what had transpired when she and David had visited for their wedding.
Julia's mother soon came over and greeted everyone at the table, her daughter-in-law Veronica trailing behind her. Teyla took a deep breath in and plastered a stiff smile on her face. Julia saw this and grinned. Teyla had needed to sit with the woman at the wedding as John and Julia's brother, Joey, Veronica's husband had been sitting at the head table.
And Teyla had never met anyone who was so ignorant of so many things yet expressed her opinion as if she were extremely knowledgeable in all areas. And as soon as Veronica approached the table she gave Teyla a puzzled look and started with more asinine questions about being an alien.
Luckily Julia took pity on her and stood. "I need to stretch out my back. Teyla, you look as if you could use to stretch your legs, too. How about if I take you around and introduce you to some of the people who are here."
Teyla stood quickly and made a show of rubbing her back. "That would be lovely, Julia. Please excuse me ladies."
Teyla tucked her hand into Julia's arm this time and whispered, "Thank you."
"No problem," Julia returned. "I only wish more people would rescue me from Veronica at times."
Julia brought Teyla around to the different tables and Teyla recalled some of the women from the wedding party. As they left one table, Julia paused and tilted her chin in the direction of the bar. A striking woman with deep red hair, cut short and stylish stood dressed in a top with a very revealing neckline and a very short skirt, showing off her long thin legs.
"Her name is Chelsea Sharpe. Keep your eye on her once John and David get here. One of her main goals in life is to see how many married men she can get to stray from their wives and sleep with her."
Teyla's eyes narrowed. "That does not sound like the type of person you would be friendly with. Has she not done this to David?"
Julia's eyes narrowed too. "Oh, yeah, she's put the moves on David on many occasions. Luckily he always tells me and I do trust him implicitly. That still doesn't mean I like it."
She looked at Teyla's still curious face and shook her head. "She's a heck of a negotiator. I have her do work for me fairly often and somehow my secretary must have thought she was important enough to be here today."
"Have you not warned her against tempting your husband?"
Julia shrugged. "It wouldn't do any good. To her it's all a game. She'd just tell me that men don't stray because they're tempted, they do it because they are bored. And I guess she's partially right there. I just make sure that David is never bored."
Teyla leaned in and held Julia's arms. "I do not think David could ever be bored with you. John always says you are a breath of fresh air and have made his staid older brother a much better man. You must know that John thinks the world of you and is so pleased that you have become family. I am pleased too as my family has been gone for quite some time. I am very fortunate that I am able to share in John's."
Julia gave a little sniff and pulled Teyla in for a quick hug. "And you know I love having you as a sister too, right. I just wish you were closer and we could see you more often."
"That would be lovely," Teyla agreed as she returned the embrace. "And perhaps some day we may but for now John and I are needed in my home galaxy but we will visit as often as possible. And we will continue to send videos of each other and these little cousins we have growing inside of us."
As they finished their hug, Julia noticed John and David peek inside the doorway. Torren, not so shy just galloped inside and tore across the room when he saw his mother.
"Mama!" he cried as he skidded to a halt in front of her. "Daddy and Unta Dave let me wide a horses and Daddy even let me hold a weins all by myself and I made a horse go weally fast."
Torren began galloping around Teyla and she reached out to steady him. "Torren!" Her voice was soft but firm, "there are many people in this room and you must be careful that you do not bump into them."
Then she smiled down at him and ran her fingers through his curls. "I am pleased that you had a wonderful time with the horses. Perhaps Uncle David will take you on them again."
Before Torren could say anything else, Hannah came running over and yelled, "Auntie, you didn't tell me Torren was here."
Julia just sighed but gave an indulgent smile. "That's because he just got here, sweetheart. Why don't the two of you go play while I get your uncle started getting all these presents into the car?"
Hannah grabbed Torren's hand and as she led him away Teyla heard him filling the girl in on his newest activities. "We on vatation wight now and I got a wide a horses with my Daddy and Unta Dave and I got a new puppy and his name is Guinness and he lite to lit my face and he tan sleep with me at night but only until we go bat to Atlantis betause then my bed too small for him and me to share."
Julia watched the two children walk away and she let out a deep breath. "Whoo, that child sure can talk. I hope I can keep up with him the next few days."
"I am sure you will be fine," Teyla assured her. "He is usually only so talkative when he has not seen someone for a while and he wishes to share all his news. And he is quite excited about the horses and the new puppy."
Teyla looked over to where the men had just come in and saw that David was inspecting all the presents. John was lagging behind and Teyla saw that the tall woman, Chelsea, had noticed John and was making her way over to him. She took a few steps closer but stayed near a small crowd of women just to watch and see what John would do.
"Hi, handsome," the woman purred near John's ear and Teyla could just barely make out what she was saying. "You must be John Sheppard, the famous intergalactic explorer. My name is Chelsea Sharpe," her hand moved to John's arm and caressed the exposed skin. John was wearing one of his form fitting t-shirts and Teyla would admit the sight of him in one always made her blood heat up. Apparently it was having the same effect on Chelsea.
"Hi," John replied awkwardly and took a small step backwards. Teyla saw his eyes grow wary and his smile become crooked. "Uh, nice to meet you."
"I have to tell you," Chelsea began again and this time reached up to run her hand along John's muscular shoulder, "you're much better looking than in the pictures and I'll even go so far as to say better looking than your brother, although he's pretty yummy, too."
John's eyes flicked over to David and then back at Chelsea with a puzzled look. "You're … a friend of Julia's?"
Chelsea's cat-like smile focused on John as he stepped back attempting to get her to drop her hand. "We do business together quite a bit. I'm not sure I would say we're friends."
John nodded but Teyla could see some panic cross his face as he moved another step back. Unfortunately, he bumped into the wall behind him. "I um, … need to … go find my wife. Great chatting with you."
As John attempted to pass her, she blocked his way again and leaned a bit so her great attributes were on on display for him to see. "So I noticed that your wife is pregnant. Must be nice to be so virile. But I'm sure it also leaves you a bit frustrated in the sexual fulfillment department. I want to just let you know I can help you with that if you so desire. I'm more than willing."
John's eyes grew bigger and Teyla tried to keep from laughing at his expression of horror as Chelsea moved even closer. John's problem was he was just too nice and Teyla knew he'd have to actually push this woman out of the way for her to move. His eyes roamed the room and Teyla saw them land on her with relief. But when he saw that she was trying not to laugh, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Teyla decided to come to his rescue and sauntered over, taking her time. Chelsea looked over to where John's eyes had gone and said, "The little woman doesn't need to know about this. My offer still stands."
With Teyla approaching, John grew a bit braver and tried to edge past her. It didn't really work but John still made his thoughts known. "I don't keep secrets from my wife. And believe me I'm very fulfilled sexually. That's never been a problem. But I'm flattered by your offer."
Teyla could sense that he wasn't flattered by her offer, merely horrified and annoyed that she was standing so close. She gently placed her hand on Chelsea's arm and moved her aside.
"Excuse me, I have a need for my husband's strong arms right now. You will need to find someone else to seduce."
John leaned down and kissed Teyla's lips firmly and she could feel his thanks. "I'll uh, go help Dave load the cars."
As John left, Teyla leveled a serene gaze at the red head. "You are fortunate I am in a good mood. I have been known to kill people for far less."
Teyla watched the woman as her face fell and she realized she had bought her bluff. People truly did have strange opinions of those from other cultures and worlds. Teyla merely smiled and walked away, pleased with the woman's reaction.
When she got to Julia, her sister-in-law pulled her in close and asked, "What did you say to Chelsea. Her face was priceless."
Teyla gave a naughty grin. "I merely informed her she was lucky I was in a good mood as I had killed people for far less."
Julia actually had to turn away to keep from laughing at the thought of the barracuda Chelsea Sharpe being afraid of Teyla. When she was finally able to turn around she drew Teyla in for yet another hug.
"Oh, honey, you are so perfect. Are you sure you can't come live here? Forget John working for PSI, I want you working for me."
.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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