Disclaimer : I do not own Stargate Atlantis nor am I making a profit from this story, I do own Dr. Orla Grant though.

Rating : M for sexual content

Plot : Off World, Mud, mild whumpage and hopefully a pairing you will all love.

Pairings : Ronon Dex/Orla Grant more later

Spoilers : Set in Season 5 but I had changed a few things, Ronon has Season 4 hair NOT that wig, Teyla has not had her baby (hurry up John), Laura Cadman is now stationed on Atlantis and Carson Beckett is the CMO, I love him sorry.

A Massive thank you to bailey1ak for you patience and guidance your a star *hugs*.

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Ronon looked into Orla's face, it was tear stained and mud streaked. Her hair was coming loose of it's bindings here and there and was coated in mud. Her clothes were torn and wet. She was drenched from the landslide but she'd never looked more beautiful… she was alive.

Orla looked up into Ronon's eyes. He had the most intense green eyes surrounded by the longest lashes. All she wanted to do was to give in to those eyes, bury herself into his chest, even if he was bathed in mud and god knows what else.

Orla decided before she could change her mind she'd tell Ronon how she felt, she needed to after what they'd just been through.

"Ronon," she hiccupped. "I... I... know we've only been together a month, but," she stuttered. "I… I… love you… Ronon. It's okay, I don't expect you to feel the same, it's just… I thought I was dead. I'd never get to see you again and I'd never told you how I felt," Orla closed her eyes not wanting to see the panic and dread no doubt in his face.

Ronon lifted Orla's head so her eyes met his, she loved him, she actually loved him. His smile shone down at her. Ronon smoothed the hair from her face and tried to tell her he loved her but the words wouldn't come, he just wasn't sure how to do this anymore.

Orla looked into his eyes, there was no panic… no dread, but she did see surprise then his face broke into a smile that made her sob with relief.

"Orla… I," he muttered.

"It's okay Ronon," Orla hushed, stroking his face with her small hand.

"No, I… want to tell you, need to, I… I love you, Orla," Ronon didn't wait for a reply he placed his hand on the back of her head and guided her to his mouth, his lips delicately brushing hers. They kissed each other, stunned but blissfully happy at each others declaration.

Ronon broke their kiss, aware that they had to get back to the team. Kissing Orla was maybe what he preferred, but they need to find Sheppard, Teyla and Rodney.

"We need to get moving ,Orla, try to find the others," Ronon gently started moving them both.

"How are we going to get up there Ronon?" Orla said nodding her head to the hill ahead of them.

"The trees. We'll have to try to stay back from the landslide, the mud's the worst there," he answered.

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"Rodney? Are you okay?" Teyla questioned.

"Not really," the scientist smiled weakly at Teyla.

"Do you need to stop and eat?" she pushed.

"To be honest, Teyla, after everything that's happened I don't think I could keep anything down, maybe after we get Ronon and Orla back," Rodney quietly answered.

Sheppard listened to the two at his side and grew concerned, Rodney never turned down food. He made a mental note to himself to have Carson check him over when they got back, when they all got back..

"Okay guys, listen up," Sheppard announced.

"We're gonna have to stay as far back from the edge of the landslide as we can, but near enough to keep a watch out for Ronon and Orla. Rodney, I want updates, regular updates from you on those life signs. I want to know if they change in any way," Sheppard ordered.

"Two life signs about one and half kilometres down that hill," Rodney pointed to the hill and the damage the landslide had caused.

The landslide had stopped more or less now but would remain a dangerous area for some while, an unstable death trap.

"Okay, so that's what in miles?" Sheppard quizzically asked.

"Huh, about a mile, you know, Colonel with us being a united expedition it wouldn't hurt you to know these things by now," grumbled Rodney.

"Okay, let's go, " Sheppard ordered, ignoring Rodney's jab.

Just as they started their careful descent Rodney stammered, "Are you sure, Sheppard, I mean I want to help but it looks bad."

"I know, McKay, but think of Ronon and Orla, what if they're hurt?" Sheppard retorted.

Rodney move to join his team mates slow descent down the hill.

"It will be alright, Rodney, we will find them," Teyla soothed.

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Orla slipped again, her feet not catching enough purchase. She was saved from falling completely over by Ronon. She was tired, sore and felt useless.

Ronon held Orla tightly at her waist, knowing she was exhausted. "We need to move up to those trees," he pointed to a cluster of trees just a head of them. "Then you can rest," he continued.

Although the trees were just ahead it was going to be tough, they had to get through the mud which was dangerous especially with wide spaces between each tree. One loose footing and you'd slip back towards the debris left by the landslide.

They slowly made their way up the hill with Ronon taking long strides, steadily pulling Orla to him and when near a tree, using it's lower branches when available.

After ten minutes Orla threw herself onto the ground and looked up at Ronon, "Few minutes, please?" She begged.

"Okay," Ronon said joining her in the mud.

"So, you think mud is a good look for me?" Orla playfully asked striking a pose.

Ronon barked with laughter, looked at Orla and teased, "Maybe if you were naked," and raised an eyebrow suggestively.

Orla giggled at Ronon and threw a handful of mud at his chest. "This is the last time you'll see me in mud!" She declared.

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Colonel Sheppard, Teyla and Rodney were using the same techniques as Ronon and Orla.

"Life signs, McKay," Sheppard snapped.

"Still there. I need to rest, Sheppard. I'm designed for my labs not hiking through mud and I need to eat," McKay shouted back at the Colonel.

"Rodney, our… your team mates need us," Sheppard hissed.

"I know, Sheppard, but me adding to the problem isn't going to solve anything," McKay argued.

Just then Teyla stepped in, "Rodney is right, John, we could all do with some water and a few minutes rest."

TBC... Please review