John was partially hidden amongst some large leafy plants in a small alcove. Bent double hands braced on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. This time his daily run with Ronon had finished up in one of the residential sections on the east side of Atlantis.

His legs were burning and his heart was pounding. He had ducked out of sight into the alcove to recover, it was still very early but he didn't want to chance anyone seeing him like this. It wouldn't do for anyone to find the military commander gasping for breath in the halls of Atlantis.

Running with Ronon really pushed his limits and that was why he continued to do it day after day. As head of the military he had to stay on top of his game. Still all things considered the thing John was most proud of was the fact that he had been able to maintain his composure until after the Sateadan had loped off in the direction of the cafeteria and an early breakfast. Taking slow deep breaths to ease the stitch in his side Sheppard started to plan his day. As soon as he was able to stand unsupported by the wall, John was going to head back to his room for a shower. After that maybe he would stop around and see if McKay was ready for some breakfast.

Staring down at his battered running shoes, squinting slightly as the sweat stung his eyes,John contemplated how much faster his recovery time had been when he'd been Ronon's age. His breathing was slowly approaching normal when he heard one of the doors in the hall whoosh open.

Looking up at the barely audible murmur of voices, John saw Major Lorne turning and heading away down the hall. A rather rumpled Doctor Parrish stood in the open doorway of one of the rooms staring after the Major before sighing and disappearing back into what John assumed were his quarters.

It was a little too early for a social visit and Parrish appeared to have just woken up, so the Major must have had some botanical questions for the scientist. Lorne's team was scheduled for an off world trip later that morning and Rodney had referred to the planet in question as a jungle nightmare. Although later in private he told John that the information in the Ancient's data base made G5X-22 sound like a botanist's wet dream. Well whatever the reason, Lorne's presence in the hallway was very fortunate. This would save John the trouble of tracking him down later in the day to casually ask about those portraits he was painting. Major Lorne was almost out of sight when John straightened and stepped away from the alcove.

"Hey Major, wait up." Sheppard stifled a low moan as he forced protesting muscles into a slow trot.

Lorne stiffened almost appearing to freeze in place, before turning to face the Colonel. As Sheppard drew closer the Major's posture became even more military correct until he was standing at textbook attention.

"Colonel?" Lorne's tone was formal, his expression oddly guarded.

"At ease Major. Are you even on duty?" Sheppard ran a hand through his sweat damp hair, ruffling it as he looked at the civies the younger man was wearing.

"Uh, no sir." The Major didn't appear to relax even a little. In fact if anything, he seemed to be bracing himself for something. Twin spots of colour rode high on his cheeks and he was staring fixedly at a point somewhere over John's right shoulder.

Briefly Sheppard wondered what was the matter and then shook himself. It couldn't be too terribly important, there were no alarms going off. Whatever it was, he would undoubtedly find a detailed report about it on his desk later. The Major was very conscientious about paperwork. In John's opinion that was just one of the things that made him an excellent 2IC.

"Major, Teyla informed me that you are almost done the prep work for the paintings you wanted to do."

Lorne's eyes snapped to John's face, searching briefly before he nodded in agreement. "Well I have actually completed Doctor Weirs portrait. The rest are just preliminary sketches. I will be starting yours soon Sir."

"Well that's what I wanted to talk to you about, I was wondering if you would let me take a look at what you have done so far."

"Is that all...I thought...Well, Dr Weir's painting is in my quarters. I don't really want to tote it around yet. The paint might not be completely dry, oils have a longer drying period than some of the other mediums. Plus the relative humidity doesn't help, what with Atlantis being surrounded by water..."

"What about the sketches though? Would it be OK if I had a peek at those?" John crossed his arms over his chest and smiled ingratiatingly as he cut off the Major's impromptu art lecture.

"Oh sure, sure. I will drop those off later sir. But`please keep in mind that they are really just reference material to help me when I do the actual portraits. I was actually going to ask you if would mind coming by and sitting for me at some point when I start your portrait." Lorne seemed to become more relaxed as he talked. His shoulders eased and his gestures became looser and more animated.

This time it was Sheppard's who looked uncomfortable as he pointed vaguely down the hall. "I should really get going, I've got to shower and then I am supposed to meet McKay for breakfast. We can pick up this discussion later. Carry on Major."

The Colonel turned abruptly walking briskly in the direction of his room ignoring the odd almost knowing grin that quickly crossed Lorne's face. When the Colonel was out of sight Lorne turned and headed off in the opposite direction whistling softly to himself.

***Ok I know I said that this would be the last chapter for this story, but unfortunately the story is not co-operating. Silly stubborn thing wants one more chapter, which is in the works now, along with another chapter to Altered Perception and a snippet of a plot bunny that has invaded my mind and won't leave.***