AN- Have done an edit on this so hope it has turned out better this time.
Reluctantly he handed over the keys.
"No John, you can not keep them. What were you thinking bringing them back here anyway?" Looking at John who was now stood on the opposite side of her desk, Ronan standing beside him.
"Told you she would say no," Ronan mumbled to John when he saw the look on Elizabeth's face.
"Ronan, why the hell did you even show them to him? You know has a skateboard right. He doesn't need any more toys to play with. Do they even work is a good question, they have sat on your homeworld all this time with any care or being maintained." Staring at Ronan as he stood with that silly smirk on his face.
"How about I go and leave you two to sort this out. Just for the record it was his idea to bring them back here." Ronan chipped in before making a dash for the door.
John muttered something under his breath that Elizabeth didn't catch but was no doubt aimed at the man who had just bailed on him.
"So just for arguments sake that these things still work or you can get them to work, what do you suggest we use them for? Take into account we live on a city in the middle of the ocean. The only way off is by jumper or the gate." Watching John as he took her words in and tried to think of a good plan. "Actually John don't bother, there is nowhere on the city they could be used or even the mainland come to think of it. Unless there your new weapon against the wraith, race around running them over. John, hand over the keys and we can send them back to the scrap yard where they belong." Standing up and holding her hand out for the keys.
John slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out the two sets of keys. Holding them tight for a few seconds, he finally opened his hand and looked at them. Reluctantly, he handed over the keys. He knew Elizabeth was right, but it was a nice dream while it lasted. After taking the keys Elizabeth walked out her office and handed them to Chuck, he could see her talking, but he couldn't hear what she said. When she came back she stood in front of John who had got sick of standing and was seated in his normal place. No matter how many seats she had, his ass always found its way to the corner of her desk.
"Don't sulk, John, we couldn't keep them, there not practical." Seeing John look up at her with the puppy face.
Just then he looked up and burst out laughing, he couldn't help it. Elizabeth gave him the once over before resting her hands on her hips.
"Do share John, I just took a possible new toy away and you're laughing. What's so funny?. Totally lost as John sat on her desk laughing.
"Sorry Elizabeth, I was just picturing a wraith ship. Can you just see me going full throttle and tearing down the corridors after transporting one of the bikes aboard, sending wraith flying as I run them over." Laughing even harder when he had actually shared the thought out loud.
"You're impossible John Sheppard, go and do something useful like bug Rodney or whatever else it is you do." Shaking her head at the absurd idea her 2IC had just put there.
John left the office still laughing which caused a few funny looks from people he passed. When he was gone Elizabeth sat down and breathed a sigh of relief. What in this galaxy possessed John Sheppard to bring back the equivalent of two earth motorbike to Atlantis was beyond her, even if she had told Chuck to send them to a storage room for safe keeping and not back the planet where they belonged.
What's in the bag and why are you hiding it here?"
John Sheppard was sat in his spot on Elizabeth's desk when Chuck appeared carrying a bag and after looking at John, passed it to Elizabeth.
"Teyla just returned from the mainland and left this for you." Passing her the bag and smiling before turning to leave the room.
"Thank you, Chuck." Taking the bag and placing it on the floor under her desk.
"Teyla been shopping for you, Elizabeth? You should have said and we could have gone together." Giving Elizabeth a John megawatt smile.
"You volunteering to go shopping John Sheppard, what have you done with "my" John Sheppard and when do I get him back?" Seeing the look John gave her at her choice of words.
"I need to get off this floating chunk of metal Elizabeth. Carson has me on stand down for this," waving his bandaged arm around. "So no missions but, he didn't say I couldn't go the mainland." Giving her his biggest pleading look possible.
"How do you intend to get to the mainland? You need both arms to fly a jumper unless you plan on taking either Carson, Rodney or Evan with you." Elizabeth pointed out as she stood up and came to sit on her desk beside John.
"I can still fly, been a lot worse off and still flew home." Seeing the look on Elizabeth's face as she took in his words.
She knew he was a damn good pilot, knew he had served in Iraq but had never delved into his past. On saying that there were times when he had just managed to fly the jumper back after going on missions. They were both lost in thoughts of his near missions both on earth and in the Pegasus Galaxy when John reached across and took hold of Elizabeth's hand. He gave it a squeeze before looking out to the control room and then back at Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, you know I hate sitting around. No matter how much I love you I can't sit doing paperwork all day. I need to do something other than sit around. I asked Rodney for a race but he's busy so said no and Ronan is off world. I am not taking Carson up on his fishing offer, I'm not that bored yet. How about you take a couple of hours off and spent some time with a very bored colonel who loves you?" Shifting so he was pressed up against her side still holding her hand.
"John, you know we have teams due back today. I need to be here when they return, just like I am when you come back. They're all due back before lunch so maybe I can spare some time this afternoon." Giving his shoulder a nudge to get him to look at her.
"Okay, I suppose I can find something to do till lunch time. You want me take that bag to your room when I pass? Gives me something to do." Remembering what had started the whole conversation about him being bored.
"No it's okay, I can drop it off later. I really should get back to work, though." Giving him her best sorry eyes.
John didn't move right away but shifted a little so his body rubbed against Elizabeth's where they sat. Even fully dressed he could feel the curve of her hip and felt the muscles of her legs against his. Shuffling forward he slid off the desk and stood up, making sure his body blocked the view from the control room as he faced Elizabeth. Lifting their still joined hands, he brought them up to his lips and kissed the back of her hand, letting his lips linger even after he had kissed it. Stepping away he let her hand fall into her lap as he walked backwards to the door. Reaching the door he turned and walked away, he had no idea where he was going but he only had a few hours to fill in before Elizabeth joined him, or so he hoped if all the teams came back on time.
He was lying on his bed half way between sleep and waking when he heard his door open and someone approach the bed. He knew there was one person who had access to his room other than him so he didn't open his eyes but shuffled on his bed to make more space. Sure enough, he felt the bed dip and heard the distinct noise of a bag being dropped on the floor and being moved under the bed. Now his curiosity was peaked, that must be the bag that Teyla had dropped off for her. When he felt her settle on the bed he moved to encompass her in his arms as she settled against his chest. He Waited till they were both comfortable before he spoke.
"What's in the bag and why are you hiding it here?" He asked as he felt her move so she could look at him.
"How on earth do you know I brought a bag with me and that I am hiding it? You still have your eyes closed." Raising her eyebrow in that look he loved.
"Elizabeth, I survive off world on my wits and instincts. Well most of the time, I have an amazing sense of hearing. I know you now have both eyebrows sitting in your hairline now and not just the one, the same as I know you're debating if you should tell me what's in the bag or make me wait till later when the day is done." Finally opening his eyes to see both Elizabeth's eyebrows raised just as he predicted.
"When did you become such a smart ass, John Sheppard? We spend too much time together if you know me that well." Letting her eyes lock with his as she saw him smirk.
"Too much time, I think not. I hardly see you most days unless I sit in your office when I am not out kicking wraith ass, or getting the crap beat outta me for just being me. We hardly see each other. Anyway, I still want to know what's inside the bag." Placing a soft kiss to her nose and resting his forehead against hers.
"You will find out all in good time what's in the bag, maybe even tonight if you're a good boy." Waggling her eyebrow as she saw John's face.
"I am always a good boy, for you anyway. Since I gotta wait to see what's in the bag what we gonna do for the next couple hours since I have you all to myself for a while?" Letting one of his hands drift up and down her back till it rested on her ass.
"How about we leave getting all hot and sweaty till we have all night to enjoy it. Right now I am more than happy to lie here with you and just talk, nap or just snuggle with you. It's nice to just be with you, more so at this time of day." Placing a chaste kiss to his lips before moving to rest her head on his chest.
"Snuggling the woman I love sounds good to me, especially if she wants to nap. More so since she doesn't do that enough. I may even get her to eat something when she wakes up." Placing a kiss to Elizabeth's temple as she rubbed her cheek against John's t-shirt.
"Napping sounds good,' Elizabeth yawned as she hooked a hand under John's t-shirt and rested her hand palm down on John's back.
"You sleep, we can catch a late lunch in your office." Feeling her grow heavy in his arms as sleep claimed her tired body.
John lay still and enjoyed the fact that it was just after 13:00 hrs and Elizabeth was asleep in his arms. She never took enough time for herself, no matter how worn down she was. He watched her chest rise and fall with each breath, her hand still resting on his back and the smell of oranges from her shampoo reaching his nostrils as he nuzzled her hair. He felt himself yawn as his eyes grew heavy. Well as his mom always said, "If you can't beat them, join them." And that's just what he did.
The attack was over in seconds.
As Elizabeth watched the event horizon formed and the wormhole sprang open. She had two teams left out there in the Pegasus Galaxy on some unknown worlds. She hoped that the two of them had managed to set up much-needed trade agreements. Between Major Lorne and his team and Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard and his team, one of them had to come back with good news. Looking down she saw two people walk side by side through the gate and down the ramp, closely followed by two more. Then an MALP appeared carrying supplies and what like objects that had been traded. Coming around and down the stairs Elizabeth greeted Major Lorne with a warm smile.
"Looks like everything went well, Major Lorne. Do we have a new trading partner in this not so hospitable Galaxy?" Seeing Major Lorne smile as she spoke.
"We do indeed Dr. Weir, the high chandler is looking forward to meeting you in the near future. He has never met a woman leader before. He seemed very surprised at how well we manage with a woman in charge." Seeing Elizabeth's eyebrow shot up. "I told him what a great leader you were and he was more than happy to trade with us. I said we would be back in about a month to stock up, with you as the guest of honour of course." Watching as Elizabeth blushed at his words. "Has Colonel Sheppard arrived back yet?" Looking up at the control room to see if he could see his friend and colleague up there.
"No, not yet, he's always late as you well know. Let's hope he has been as lucky as you at trading and the celebration party just ran over a little." Trying to force a smile when she knew that he wasn't buying her answer.
"Well, we will go and get cleaned up and checked over, plus get these supplies down to the right places." Turning to walk away with his team in tow.
Elizabeth had just turned to walk back up the stairs when she heard the chevrons on the gate behind her start to lock in place. Spinning around she watched as the final one locked and she looked up at the control room. She heard Chuck's voice float down to her that it was Colonel Sheppard's team. Turning back to the gate she watched as the shield lowered just as Major Lorne and his team come back into view. Seeing his team take up a defensive position on the sides of the ramp, Elizabeth looked at him and saw him look at her briefly.
"Gut feeling." Was all he said as he looked back just as the horizon broke and Teyla broke through at a cross between a tumble and a run. She gained her footing quickly and turned just as a shot came through and struck the wall just under the control room, sending sparks and debris flying. The next shimmer was Ronan who came through backwards still holding his weapon up ready to fire. Ronan moved sideways to give the last two members of the team room to come through. The next person to come through came through in mid-air as if they had jumped through and landed with a loud thud on the ramp. Ronan reached over and pulled the moaning and complaining body of Rodney over to him as more shots come through the gate. All the shots hit either to the side of just under the control room. Elizabeth was still stood behind Major Lorne who had pulled her behind him after the first shot had come through after Teyla came in hot.
"Come on Sheppard, where the hell are you?" She heard Lorne mumble as he still watched the wormhole, weapon poised to fire if needed.
As if by some mental link a blur of black came through both faster, higher and harder than Rodney and come through. The body was followed by several shots from whoever of whatever was pursuing the team.
"Close the gate, get that shield up," Lorne shouted as he watched the body of John Sheppard land just to his side at the foot of the ramp.
Elizabeth moved faster than lighting to John side, watching as he rolled on his back and blinked a few times to clear his vision. Giving him the once over she could see no major wounds or causes for concern. There was the cut on his forehead which he had probably gained as he hit the ramp and his wrist looked like it was at a funny angle, but he looked in one piece so it claimed her a little. She was so focused on the man in front of her she hadn't heard the call for a medical team. It was only when she saw Heard the broad Scottish accent of her chief medical officer did she look up.
Ronon, Teyla and Rodney were all on their feet with a member of the medical staff at their side. All looked well and seemed to be moving on the own steam except Rodney who was being his normal self and complaining about some invisible injury. Hearing that Elizabeth knew he would be fine. Turning her attention back to the man whose hand she was now holding she moved a little as Carson put a collar around John's neck and instructed for a spinal board to be used on him. She heard John start to protest till he caught her gaze and quickly silenced as he felt her stroke his knuckles with her thumb. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze she let go and moved back so the medical team could move in and secure him on the spinal board. She stood up and watched as he was carried away towards the infirmary, Dr. Beckett asking him questions as they moved. It was only when she felt a hand on her arm did she turn and look around at her surroundings.
"Trust Colonel Sheppard to be the one to come in injured. On saying that he does have a reputation to uphold." Major Lorne said, laughing a little to try and lighten the mood.
"Only John could make that grand an entrance, and destroy half the gate room in the process," Elizabeth added as she looked around and surveyed the damage.
"He'll be fine and dandy as always. He has wraith ass to kick remember, and he doesn't want to leave you." Lorne adding the last bit a little quieter so only she could hear him.
"Thank you for staying back. I am not going to ask how you knew but thank you, Evan." Using the majors given name so he knew she was genuine.
"All in a day's work. Now it really is time to get cleaned up and checked over." Giving Elizabeth a nod of his head before turning and instructing his team to follow him.
Elizabeth watched for a few minutes as people came in and started the clean up of the fallen rubble from the damaged ceiling and walls. She was proud of how quickly everyone pulled together without orders or instructions. She knew they needed no supervision so she gave them a curt nod as she made her way up the stairs and through the control room to her office. Once inside she closed the door over and sat down at her desk. She didn't bother to even attempt to work but pushed her chair back and leaned into it as she closed her eyes.
How many more times was he going to do this? How much more could she take watching him come back battered and bruised, in some cases hardly alive? She knew they had no choice, it was who they were, but it don't make it any easier. She was so lost in her own thought she jumped a little when she heard a knock on her door. Opening her eyes, she smiled as she saw Chuck enter with a steaming coffee in one hand and a pack of sandwiches in the other.
"Just what's needed while you wait for news, plus Colonel Sheppard will have my head for not making you at least attempt to eat." Placing the cup and sandwiches on the desk.
"Thank you, Chuck, nice to know someone cares." Giving him one of her rare but most sincere smiles.
"No problem ma'am, I know how much trouble Colonel Sheppard causes you." Turning and leaving Elizabeth alone again.
Looking at the coffee and sandwiches she knew she should at least attempt to eat like Chuck suggested, but the coffee seemed more appealing at that moment in time. Picking the cup up she inhaled deeply before taking a drink. It wasn't the coffee she was used to but after many attempts by Chuck, he and finally perfected the art of making her coffee just how she liked it. Halfway through the coffee her stomach gave a low rumble, protesting at the fact she was only having coffee so she gave in and picked the sandwiches up.
She was just finishing the second one when her earpiece came to life and she heard her chief medical officers accent calling her name. Tapping her ear she informed the doctor she was on her way, but not before she picked up her coffee cup and swallowed the remaining liquid.
Entering the infirmary she was not surprised to see a gaggle of people around one bed. She could make out the tall broad figure of Ronon, the small petite frame of Teyla and she could see the white coat of Carson Beckett. She couldn't see Rodney McKay, but she could hear him so she knew he was nearby. Approaching the gathering of people she suspected were gathered around a certain Colonel's bed, she hung back to listen to the conversation.
"Rodney you are perfectly fine to leave. Every test and scan came back normal. Please go and find some ancient artifact or gadget to mess around." She heard the doctor tell her chief scientist.
"As for you Colonel, you can stay still. You have a few broken ribs to go with that wrist, not to mention the cut on your head. I can only imagine the bumps and bruises that will appear over the next few days after that flying entry you made. I am surprised you didn't do more damage to yourself." The doctor told the now moaning Colonel.
Now was the time to step up and make her presence known. She knew John was about to protest loudly about being kept in and how he was fine. She needed to pacify him before he got all worked up. Taking the few steps need she stopped at the foot of John's bed and watched as he saw her and gave her his best fly boy smile, but not before wincing as he tried to sit up. Carson's hand came to rest on his shoulder to hold him still before he made to sit up completely. Elizabeth looked over at Ronon and Teyla before she looked at the next bed which had a still grumpy Rodney Sitting on it.
"Good to see at least three members of the team made it back unscathed. Shame the same can't be said for their leader. "Raising her eyebrow as she looked at John.
"Now is our cue to leave, the cavalier has arrived," Ronon said as he looked at Teyla and Rodney. "Thanks, doc." Giving the doctor a thump on the shoulder as he turned to leave, Teyla and Rodney following behind him.
Once they were gone Elizabeth moved around the side of the bed and looked between her chief medical officer and chief military office. She knew this was going to be the usual battle of wills to if see if John stayed in the infirmary. Her hands were resting on the bed as she looked at Carson and waited to see what he had to say. She wasn't surprised when she felt a set of fingers do a crawling motion over her own and a hand slide over to cover hers. She never moved or looked down but still contained to watch the doctor and what for his medical opinion.
"Not sure if you heard but Colonel Sheppard has a broken wrist, four broken ribs, that cut on his head and by tomorrow a whole heap of bruises that will probably cover his body from head to toe." I would like to keep him here just to be on the safe side, he did take a very hard tumble." Looking at Elizabeth then John.
"Please doc, it's not like I am going to fly a jumper of chase wraith around. I can hardly undo my shirt buttons never mind anything else. How about if I promise to go straight to bed when I get in, Elizabeth will make sure I do. You'll take me to straight to bed won't you Elizabeth?" Not realising the double meaning of his words till he saw Elizabeth turn a lovely shade of red.
"I won't hear the end of this till I let you out will I. Elizabeth, can you hand the good Colonel and make sure he goes straight to bed and rests?" Carson asked as he looked between the two people in front of him.
"He will indeed Carson, but only if you're sure he can go." Looking at John then Carson.
"He can go then, plenty rest," he started to say as he watched Elizabeth help John sit up and swing his legs off the bed. "And no strenuous activities either." As John slid his arm around Elizabeth's waist.
Elizabeth looked up at the doctor and he saw she had gone an even deeper shade of red than before. She really needed to leave and quickly. She felt Jong holding back on the laughing, not being sure if that was to save the pain from his current injuries or the ones she might give him. Making their way slowly and steadily through the city they finally made it to Elizabeth's room, purely because she had a bigger bed. Opening the door and walking inside she felt John faulted in his footing, the mediation finally kicking in that John had taken. Moving over to the bed she pulled the covers back with one hand as she eased John down to sitting. Bending down she made light work of his boots and sock before having him to his feet again and pulling his BDU pants down. John swayed as he stood he so Elizabeth made taking his pants off as quick as possible. Sitting him back down she undid the buttons on his shirt and went to take it. The problem was his wrist cast was getting caught on his sleeve since his sleeve was pushed back to get the cast on. After undoing the cuff button, the shirt slid off and joined the pile of John clothes on the floor. Leaving his t-shirt on she got John to lie down and pulled the covers over him.
After removing her clothes, she pulled on a tank top and climbed into bed. She pulled the covers herself and settled down on her side facing John. Even though he was half asleep John managed to slip his arm under Elizabeth's head and wrap it around her. She settled with her head on his shoulder and her arm over his waist. She was just starting to fall asleep when she heard John start to mumble.
"Sorry about today. The attack was over in seconds. We got hit right at the gate after we dialled home." John started to tell her.
"Shhh, go to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow, right now you need to rest." Placing a kiss to his cheek as she reached up stroked his other cheek.
John murmured something before he finally gave in and feel asleep, with Elizabeth falling asleep just after him. They had both suffered, one physically, the other mentally yet they were still together. Safe in the knowledge the other was beside them every step of the way.