Cameron let his gaze settle on her and Evan. Grace was perched on his knee facing away from him chatting to Vala, Evan's fingers tracing light patterns on her stomach whilst he spoke to Dr Keller. She reached forward for her drink, dangerously close to giving Cam a full blown view of her breasts. He rolled his eyes and swirled his drink.
A warm hand slid over his thigh. "You ok baby?" John squeezed lightly and reached for his drink with his other hand.
"Umhmm" Cam shifted. "No inappropriate touching Colonel"
John chuckled. "Why?"
"Still getting used to it"
"They're our friends Cameron"
"Yes I know, thank you"
John massaged his leg and let his hand drift up a little further.
"Behave"
"Nope"
Cam glared at him before letting his eyes rest on his other lovers again. John hummed quietly. "Beautiful aren't they?"
He felt his lips twitch, they really were. Grace shifted round as Vala stood and made her way over to Sam and Cadman. "Do I even want to know how much that scrap of fabric cost?"
John snorted. "Definitely not"
Cam raised his brows.
"Hey, I didn't buy it. She puts up a fight when I try to pay for her coffee for fuck's sake" John took a sip of his whisky. "But I grew up around money, I know designer when I see it"
"Designer?"
"Oh yeah, gotta be a couple of months pay at least"
"Shit"
"Hey, its her money Cameron"
"Are you sure?"
John rolled his eyes. "I'm sure I don't want to pry and incur her wrath"
"Coward" Dean grinned at him from the other side of Cam.
John flipped him off.
Dean turned and shifted a little closer. "It is her money by the way. Her parents were the rare type of hunter that actually had some. She got it all when they were killed"
Cam sighed. "I forget sometimes"
"Yeah, she's good at making people forget. Pity makes her uncomfortable" Dean topped up his drink. "But it's a good sign she's spending it, she didn't touch it, except for the odd motel bill, for a long time"
"She can't have much left. She's gone from living out a duffel to taking up three drawers and an entire wardrobe"
Dean grinned and waved a hand towards Grace. "Like you're complaining"
"That's your sister Winchester"
"Yeah, and don't you forget it"
Cam rolled his eyes then looked thoughtful. "You think Atlantis will be good for her?"
"Atlantis isn't for her idiot, it's for you"
"What?"
"She's not exactly big on the sharing feelings shit, something else we have in common" Dean flicked a glance her way to make sure she was still wrapped up in her conversation with Evan. "This is her way of saying thank you and letting you know she's not going anywhere"
"Uh.."
"You saved her Cameron, and not just when you risked your career by getting Vala to heal her. Courtesy of Castiel she got a glimpse of a future without you, all of you, and it wasn't pretty. She'll probably never say it to your faces but she knows how important you are"
Cam blinked at him. "Uh.."
Dean slapped him on the back. "So stick with her or I'll kick your collective arses"
John watched her laugh at something Paul had said then ran his eyes around the table. He was surrounded by people that had become good friends, three of them amazing lovers, people who knew what he was, how he lived and passed no judgement. Who understood, wanted similar things and who had saved his arse more times than he cared to admit.
And soon they would all be three million light years away, free to live openly, and happily, bar the odd invasion or deadly intergalactic enemy. He fought the urge to grin like an idiot and promised himself that once the required yelling was over with he would remember to thank her. A lot.
Grace suddenly appeared by his side and slid into his lap. He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Hey beautiful, having a good night?"
"Hmm. Where did Cameron go?"
"To talk to Simmons" He grinned. "And escape my inappropriate touching"
"Naughty boy"
"Uh huh"
"You can inappropriately touch me if you want"
Dean snorted from the chair next to them. "Not while I'm here, thank you" He swirled his glass. "Val tells me we're off to Atlantis"
"Yep, cool huh?"
"You do realise there is still gonna be some yelling at some point right?"
Grace smiled at John through her lashes. "I was hoping to distract you with alcohol and sex"
"Babe, please, not while I'm here ok?"
"You could leave"
"No way, I'm comfy. And Val appears to be working her way round to me, in-between chatting up the rest of our friends"
John huffed and pulled Grace in closer, brushing her mass of hair over the other shoulder so he could whisper in her ear. "Thank you"
She squirmed in his lap. "Welcome. And no cuddling"
Dean snorted. John tightened his grip. "Stay still sweetheart. You owe me"
Her brother looked at him. "A cuddle?"
"Everyone needs a hug sometimes darling"
Dean rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, don't get any ideas Mal Doran. I do not cuddle"
Vala smoothed the front of her dress and winked at Grace. "You will"
Dean made a disgusted face.
"I have realised I do not know what age you have turned today" She raised an elegant brow at Grace.
"Oh, twenty-three"
"Are you sure it's not twenty-five?"
Grace smirked at John "Nope, defiantly twenty-three"
He leant his forehead on her shoulder. "Shit"
"Pervert"
John scowled at Dean. "Its Cameron's fault"
"Uh, why?"
Grace giggled. "It's always Cameron's fault"
"Did you just giggle?"
She snapped her mouth shut. "No"
"So did"
"Did not. I do not giggle"
Evan slid into the chair next to Cameron. "Stop perving over my boyfriend"
Simmons grinned. "Me or him?
Cam glared at him. "Definitely you"
Evan poked him in the side. "And you"
"I'm allowed"
"Cute aren't you?"
They flipped off the other man.
Graham grinned. "So, Atlantis huh?"
"How the hell do you know that already?"
"Grace called Laura as soon as you left for O'Neill's"
"Too smart for her own good"
Evan hummed and ran a finger across the back of his neck. "Kinda hot too"
Graham snorted. "Please, they're like real life porn" He gestured to where John was currently whispering into Grace's ear and tilted his head. "Like babysitter porn"
"Hey!"
Evan squeezed the back of Cam's neck. "Like you haven't thought about it"
"Have not"
"Or cheerleader porn"
"Ev!"
"Wonder if she's still got that outfit?"
"Evan Lorne will y…hang on, what outfit?"
Graham raised his brows. "Yeah, what outfit? And can we borrow it? Ow!" He rubbed the back of his head and scowled at Cam. "Just asking"
Evan waved a hand vaguely in the air. "You know, the one she used to infiltrate that cheerleading group and take down a possessed cheerleader"
"Really?"
"Yep, I remember cause when she was packing it away she told me Dean had been pissed she didn't let him in on it"
"I bet he was"
"He'd have been dead in the first five minutes. He's a huge pervert"
Evan looked up at her. "Impressive black ops Miss Winchester"
"Thank you. Hey!"
Cam pulled her further onto his lap. "And what were you and Sheppard whispering about?"
Grace smiled. "Nothing important"
"Of course"
She tapped Simmons' arm. "And no you can't borrow it. I don't want to have to explain mysterious stains to the dry cleaner"
"Gracie!"
"What?"
Graham grinned at her. "Fine. Just let me know where you got it from"
Grace tilted her head to look at the stars and smiled to herself.
"Miss Winchester?"
She whirled. "And they say my black ops are good"
The man smiled at her. "I've had more practice"
"Yes, I've read the reports"
"I have no doubt"
General O'Neill stepped up beside her and leant his arms on the stone balustrade. "You're very lucky that everything went to plan Grace. It was a big risk"
She nodded. "I know" She looked back to the stars. "I think it is going to be worth it though"
"You're planning on staying with them?"
Grace raised a brow. "Until they decide otherwise"
"I don't think that's going to happen"
She sighed. "Maybe not"
"Just by being here tonight I'm breaking about a dozen rules but I was curious to see how you all worked together. And not just your um, partners.."
Grace snorted.
"..but the friendships and work relationships that have evolved in the past few months. Very impressive, Atlantis will be in good hands. I notice even Sheppard and McKay have managed to be in the same room for more than an hour without Rodney getting shot"
She grinned. "Is there anything you don't know?"
"If there is it's not worth knowing"
"I like you"
"Thank you"
"You're smarter than you like to let on"
"You too"
"Cameron says I'm so smart that there's not enough room in my brain for any common sense"
Jack snorted. "He sounds smart too"
She nodded. "Thank you for…accepting me, and my crazy arse ideas"
"The SGC needs crazy people. Otherwise no one would go through the gate" He tapped the stone with his fingers. "The only thing I can't work out is why?"
Grace chewed her lip. "Have you ever been shown the future, or a possible one?"
"Yes, it sucked"
"Yeah, mine too. Cameron, and John and Evan, they changed that future. They accepted me for what I was and let me in to their world. They put up with my shit and never question the big things. Of course the little things sometimes result in some yelling"
Jack chuckled quietly.
"They saved me"
Jack followed her gaze to the sky. "What was your future like?"
"Smelly, and full of crazy cannibals"
"Ah, and?"
"And Dean was dead, and I was possessed by an evil psycho bitch from hell. My body and face covered in scars from being tortured" She took a shaky breath. "It wasn't just me they saved, it was the Winchesters too"
"Sam?"
"He was the one who tortured me"
"Ah"
"Yeah"
John took a seat next to Evan. "I see we've successfully lost Grace again"
Cam grinned and gestured with his head to the french doors. John raised a brow as he saw her standing with her back to them, talking to O'Neill, the General seeming to point out something in the sky.
"Why does that make me a little nervous?"
"Because you're smart"
John smirked at Evan. "Why did I think she was turning twenty-five?"
"Because you're a smart optimist?"
He flipped off Cam.
"Uh.." Evan shifted "..she isn't turning twenty-five?"
Cam rolled his eyes. "Jesus, how can you not know how old she is?"
Evan frowned at him. "I thought I did"
John slung an arm over the back of his chair. "You need to minus two baby"
"Twenty-three?"
"Yep"
"Shit"
"That's what I said"
"I can't believe you two"
John pointed at Cam. "I can't believe you General Mitchell. If I'm right, and I usually am.."
Cam rolled his eyes again.
"..that would have made her nineteen when you met her"
Evan grinned. "Cradle snatcher"
"Hey, I was poisoned by a crazy sex demon"
"That's what they all say"
"And if I remember correctly, which I usually do…" Evan snorted "…it was you that was all 'you think too much Cam, you should be with her, blah, blah'."
"First of all, I have never said blah, blah in my life, even when trapped in a conversation with McKay.."
The scientist turned in his chair. "Bite me Sheppard"
"No biting" Cam grinned at him. Rodney rolled his eyes.
"…and I'm sure you said she was twenty-two when we were at your parents that Christmas"
"You never listen John. I said I was pretty sure she hadn't turned twenty-two yet"
"Ah, well that explains it"
Two weeks later.
They stood in their apartment waiting to be beamed up onto the Daedalus. Evan eyed the crate and duffel at her feet. "That's it?"
Grace raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
John grinned. "I think he means how did you fit your entire wardrobe into one crate and a duffel sweetheart?"
She rolled her eyes. "I have travelled before. Which means I have awesome packing skills"
"What did you do, shrink-wrap it?"
She scowled at Cam. "No"
"So?"
"A good hunter never reveals their secrets"
"Right, their top secret packing skills"
She flipped him off. "Don't be a dick otherwise I won't come"
"Pleasant aren't you?"
"You started it"
"Actually Evan started it"
"Please don't bring me into your bitching"
"You love it"
"Do not"
"Do too"
"Do…" The apartment was engulfed in a bright white light.
Six months later.
Vala casually looked around the tavern that their contact had brought them too. She sighed inwardly. It seemed that whatever galaxy you were in there was always a drinking establishment that served only those who were looking for a fight, ideally helping themselves to anything valuable whilst beating the crap out of you. She tapped Rodney's arm, interrupting his rather enthusiastic conversation about power resources.
"What?!"
"I believe you should lower your voice Rodney. We are attracting a bit of attention"
"Fucking great" muttered Grace from the other side of her.
"Uh.." he looked around. "Shit"
"Exactly"
Grace hit her latest attacker with a serving tray and flung her elbow back into the face of the man creeping up behind her. The tavern was now in chaos, furniture upended, smashed glasses and the surprised yells of men who had spent a lifetime being the ones causing pain, not experiencing it. As the last of them fell, a chair smashing over his head, she grinned at McKay. "Very impressive Rodney"
"Yes, yes, I'm awesome. Can we go now before they wake up?"
Vala snorted. "An excellent idea"
"Well, I am the resident genius"
Laura removed the prone body that was blocking the doorway and dipped into a bow. "Shall we?"
"Thank you my lady" Grace stepped past her into the cool night air. She eyed the few villagers that were not already locked up safe in their homes.
"They appear to be a little wary of us"
She smirked at her team leader. "Good, I want to get home and put some ice on my jaw before I end up looking like I have a melon stuck to my face"
"Told you to duck"
She glared at Rodney. "If you hadn't said anything at all I wouldn't have turned around and got a punch in the face"
"No, you would have got it to the back of your neck, instantly paralysing you, possibly permanently"
Laura clapped Rodney on the back. "You've been studying"
He flipped her off.
"And training" Vala smiled at him. "Your hand to hand is coming on wonderfully"
"Oh thank you, great and powerful leader"
They set off towards the gate.
General Mitchell looked up from the tablet he'd been studying with Colonel Sheppard as the gate alarm sounded. He raised a brow at Chuck.
"Its SGA-3 Sir"
"Go ahead Chuck" He looked at his watch and sighed. "They're early"
John grinned at him.
"Cut it out Sheppard. One day they'll actually come back on time" He started down the steps. "Not early, being chased by god knows what, or late, because they've had to escape from somewhere"
"Or gotten distracted"
"It's not funny Shep"
He looked them over as the gate shut down behind them. "You look like you were in a bar fight"
Vala shifted. "Uh…"
"Really?! Come on!"
Grace grinned at him. "We didn't start it"
"No, you never do" He peered at her. "Someone get a hit in?"
She pointed at Rodney. "His fault"
"Fuck off, we'd have been carrying you back if I hadn't warned you"
"Bullshit"
"Uh huh"
"Guys! Please" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't suppose you got anything useful?"
"Nope" Vala rocked slightly on her heels. "Our contact merely wished to lure us to the uh, tavern so his friends could alleviate us of our possessions"
"And our virtue"
"What?!"
"Ok, ignore that last bit"
He narrowed his gaze. "I will not. Infirmary, the lot of you and then debrief"
McKay rolled his eyes. "There is nothing to debrief General. They started it, got the crap kicked out of them, we left"
Laura snorted from behind him.
"It's not funny Cadman"
"It kinda is. You should have seen that guys face when Rodney smashed a chair over his head"
They gaped at McKay. "A chair?"
He cleared his throat. "I have been uh, training with them"
"You've turned our genius into a bar brawler"
Grace smiled at John. "Yep, cool huh"
He sighed. "Infirmary sweetheart, get that jaw checked"
"Yes Sir" He watched her rip off a salute that would have the hardest of CO's weep with pride and wander off towards the transporter.
He raised a brow at her team. "And you"
Cam pointed at them. "And then debrief"
He turned to his Military Commander as the doors to the transporter slid shut. "Is it immoral of me to use my position of power to ban her from going off-world?"
John folded his arms over his chest. "Yes, and she'd be really pissed. Everyone else faces the same stuff Cameron, you have to learn to separate"
"You first"
The other man sighed at him. "Yeah it sucks but she's been doing this long enough for us to have gotten used to it. And she's damn good in the field, better than most of the marines. Also, you start trying to limit the danger she's in it won't be long until you're trying to keep back me and Ev too"
Cam ran a hand though his hair. "Yeah I know, it's just.." he swallowed "…she wasn't joking about the uh, 'virtue' bit, was she?"
"No" John gave his arm a subtle squeeze.
Evan watched her throw herself on the couch in his office glaring up at the ceiling.
"Has my office offended you baby?"
Grace rolled her eyes and shifted to her side, meeting his gaze. "No off-world missions for two weeks"
"Looks like you need it"
"It's just a bruise Ev"
"And I bet you're aching Gracie. Make the most of it, relax, go to the mainland and visit Teyla, eat your way through that chocolate stash I know you have hidden somewhere"
"Cameron is overreacting"
"All teams get put on downtime. And you lot have managed to run into quite a bit of trouble lately"
"Not our fault"
He raised a brow.
"Well, not every time"
Evan stood up. "Coffee?"
"Hmm, please"
"Well sit up and stop sulking"
She stuck her tongue out at his back.
"And no rude gestures"
Grace made a disgusted noise. "I've let you all get to know me far too well"
He sat next to her and handed over a mug, dropping a kiss into her hair. "Isn't that the idea?"
She squirmed slightly. "I guess"
Evan sighed. "Baby?"
"Hmm"
"Grace, look at me"
She turned her head, gaze flickering back and forth.
"I know we always try to keep it light, we have a lot of fun together and enjoy each others company. But we all live together, we've all done things for each other that show how serious it really is between us, even if we never say anything" He ran a finger through her hair. "I know it makes you uncomfortable but we care for you, love you. And that's why Cameron sometimes overreact's, why there is sometimes yelling" He smiled at her. "Ok?"
"I think I just threw up a little in my mouth"
"Don't make me tell the General to extend your rest period"
"You wouldn't"
"Uh huh"
She sighed. "Fine. Ok, I get it" Grace chewed her bottom lip. "I guess I like you lot too"
"Gee, thanks" he pressed his lips against hers then stood up. "Now, drink your coffee then go shower and relax. You smell like alien hooch"
"So romantic"
He grinned at her.
The next day.
John looked up from his desk. "You appear to be sitting on my paperwork sweetheart"
Grace smiled at him. "That is so I have your full attention Colonel"
"You always have my full attention"
"That is terrible"
He grinned at her. "What are you after?"
"After?"
John tipped back in his chair and raised a brow.
"Laura and I would like to visit Teyla"
"Ok"
"Ok?"
"Of course baby, you're not a prisoner. We just want you and your team to rest that's all. You want an overnight?"
Grace blinked at him. "Uh, really?"
"Really"
"Yes please"
"Did you just say please?"
She stuck her tongue out.
"Ah, that's better"
"You're incredibly annoying"
"Thank you" He leant forward and pulled her off his desk into his lap.
"This is highly unprofessional Colonel"
"Yeah, great isn't it" John nipped at her neck, inhaling her scent. He hummed. "No starting fights though, or too much Athosian wine"
"Damn, you've ruined all my plans"
He smiled into her skin and ran his mouth up her throat before pressing his lips on hers. "Open up baby"
John groaned as his tongue explored her mouth and he felt himself harden under her wriggles. His radio crackled. "Shit"
"Sheppard?"
"Uh, yeah, sorry Cam"
"You ok?"
Grace grinned at him and pressed down harder into his lap. He glared at her.
"Fine. What is it?"
"Can you come to my office? I've got the list of possible pilots for the new 305's"
She slid off his lap and knelt between his legs.
"Shit"
"Sheppard?!"
"Right, yeah sure"
Humming quietly Grace flicked open his fly and her hand wrapped around him.
"I'll be there in ten"
Her tongue swirled around his head.
"Better make that twenty"
"Whats going on?"
Grace swallowed him down and hummed again before sucking hard.
"Fuck. Nothing, just, shit, I'll be there soon"
He clicked his radio off and slid his hands into her hair. "Bad girl"
Grace stopped her movements and looked up at him, nodding gently. Mentally locking his door Colonel Sheppard twisted his hands tighter in the blonde waves and thrust.
Cam watched her throw her jacket on and sit to lace up her boots. "Chilly are we?"
She glared at him. "It gets cold there at night. I have layers" Grace lifted her jumper and t-shirt to reveal a low halter top.
"No flashing the Athosioan's"
She grinned at him. "I'll try"
He rolled his eyes. "And I suppose you're the reason my Military Commander was ten minutes late to our meeting this morning?"
"Yep" She stood and reached for her bag.
He took it from her and tipped her head to his. "And is there a reason I don't get surprise blowjobs in my office?"
"Your office is made of glass Cameron"
"Damn"
"But if you don't mind I don't"
"I do mind" He brushed his lips against hers. "Please be careful Princess"
"Cameron, I'm going to visit Teyla not Lucifer himself"
He sighed. "Yeah, I know"
Grace wrapped her arms round his waist and leant her head on his chest.
"Uh.."
"I shouldn't have said the 'virtue' thing should I?"
Cam closed his eyes. Shit. "I'm sorry baby, I'm trying not to worry, I really am"
She gave him a quick squeeze. "Its ok, I understand"
He looked down at the top of her head. "You do?"
Grace nodded against him. "It's a male ego thing, you can't help it"
"Grace.."
"And I wouldn't ever let anyone else touch me like that. I'd die stopping them if necessary"
He tried not to be sick. "Baby?"
She stepped back and smiled up at him. "Anyway you should worry about John more than me, he's way prettier"
"And back to reality"
Grace grinned. "Walk me to the gateroom General?"
Cam shifted as they watched the gate dial New Athos. "I don't suppose there's any way to talk you into early retirement?"
"Nope"
"Right, thought not"
"Don't worry Cameron, one day I'll stay home like a good whatever I am"
Laura snorted. "And do what? Laundry"
Cameron huffed. "Yeah right"
"Hey! And no" Grace stepped towards the horizon "I'll stop going off world when there are babies"
He blinked at the now empty gate and turned to Sam. "Uh, did she say..?"
Sam grinned. "Yep"
"Fuck"
"Don't worry Mitchell, I don't think she's gonna demand you impregnate her right now"
"Fuck off Winchester"
"Nope, we have a date remember?"
"No more dates, the ones I have drive me insane enough as it is"
Sam grinned. "You're fault for being a greedy bastard"
"Does anyone remember I am actually in charge here?"
"Just give in to the inevitable Mitchell" O'Neill waved a hand. "Once you do the stress just melts away, believe me"
"Uh, do we have a date too Sir?"
O'Neill raised a brow. "If you count sitting with nine other men whilst watching my team trash yours then yes, we do have a date"
"Cool, the new game recording's arrived?"
"Yep"
Grace took in a deep breath and exhaled, smiling. "Love this place"
Laura grinned. "Yeah, its like instant relaxation"
"Without the highly illegal and dangerous drugs"
Laura snorted. "So, did I hear you say babies?"
"Yep, I like to keep them on their toes"
"More like flat on their backs"
"Just wrong Cadman" Grace smiled behind her aviators. "Anyway, it's usually me flat.."
"Agh no! Too far"
"You started it"
"Yeah, bad me" Laura glanced curiously at her friend as they followed the path to the settlement. "But would you?"
"Would I what?"
"Have babies"
"Oh, yes. Definitely"
"Wow"
"Wouldn't you?"
"Not sure. Never really thought about it I guess"
"Have your men ever mentioned it?"
Laura frowned. "Don't think so"
"Tell them your pregnant, see what happens"
"Jesus, I don't have fucking death wish"
Grace grinned at her.
Sam pulled the other man back in against his chest. "Hmm, you smell good from the shower"
"And I'd like to continue smelling good so don't even think about it"
"Tease"
"Smelling good is not teasing" Graham elbowed him lightly and stepped away. "It is a sign of excellent personal hygiene, and a polite courtesy to the people who you will be in close proximity to in the near future"
Sam frowned then sighed. "Whatever"
Graham rolled his eyes and pulled on his jeans. Sam raised a brow.
"I am not watching a game in my uniform, it feels wrong"
"Laura calls those your arse jeans"
Graham's lips twitched. "My arse jeans?"
"Yeah, I can kinda see where she's coming from now"
Graham flipped him off. Sam grinned and sat back on the bed watching him.
"You ever think about kids?"
"Uh, what?"
"Kids, babies, miniature you's"
"Um, you do realise you can't knock me up right?"
Sam rolled his eyes. "Yes, thank you. So?"
"You mean in general or now?"
"Both"
"Shit"
"Ah, ok"
"No, no. Um, I didn't mean it like that" He looked thoughtful. "I guess I always thought I would have them at some point but I appear to be hurtling towards forty without yet achieving parenthood. I suppose ultimately the decision would be with Laura"
"But you'd be ok with it?"
"Um, yeah, I guess so" Graham frowned at him. "What's brought this on?"
Sam sighed. "Just something that was said earlier. It kind of made me think. I never thought I'd get to have them you know? Life was way too fucked up but now.." he vaguely waved a hand around their large quarters "..I have this, and you two"
He looked up as his lover stepped in front of him. "We'll talk to her ok baby?"
"Sure"
"I think somethings wrong with Grace"
"Of course there is, we just don't talk about it"
Cam glared at John. "Not funny"
"Ok, so what?"
"She hugged me today"
Evan raised a brow. "Really?"
"Yeah"
"Without any prompting, or physical force?"
"Very funny, and yes"
"Huh. Did she try it on soon after?"
"Nope"
"Wow"
"Yeah. And then she said that she understood why I worried about her and that it was ok"
"Fuck me"
"Then she said she'd stop going off world one day when uh.."
John looked up from pulling on his jeans. "When what?"
"When there were babies"
They stood in silence for a minute.
"As in plural?"
"Really, that's what you're taking from that?"
John rolled his eyes. "We've spoken about it before"
"But not with her"
"Yeah, cause she's young and doing something she loves. And we weren't sure if she'd freak out and run a mile. She's probably just letting you know she's thinking about it or something. Its a good sign"
"Or she deliberately said it just before leaving to drive me even more insane than she has already"
"I like to think we've all contributed to your blatant insanity"
Evan snorted. "Speak for yourself. I'm the sensible one"
"Bullshit. You're just more sneaky about it"
Grace smiled at Teyla enjoying the warmth from the fire. "Thank you so much for allowing us to visit. And at short notice"
"You are very welcome Grace, at any time"
She nodded and looked at the flames. "You aren't tempted to return to Atlantis?"
The Athosian sighed next to her. "It is something Ronan and I have discussed a great deal since John and Evan returned with so many of our old friends" She squeezed Grace's hand. "And new ones also. Sometimes I wish for nothing more than to live within her walls once again, at other times I believe our children should grow up as I did"
"If all children grew up as their parents did the world would never progress, amazing discoveries would not be made. Our families would relive the same joys and the same tragedies over and over again"
Teyla raised a brow.
Grace coughed. "Uh, sorry. Something my Mother said to me, more than once. I didn't mean to speak out of turn"
"You did not. And your Mother sounds very wise"
"She was"
"I am sorry"
"Please don't be. Everyone has some shit in their past"
Teyla nodded thoughtfully. "Does it go well with your men?"
Grace snorted. "Not sure if they're mine. Think its the other way around"
"And you don't mind this?"
She furrowed her brow. "No. I thought I would but it offers a strange kind of security"
Teyla nodded. "I am a warrior as well as a wife and Mother. And yet Ronan's insistence on protecting me and our family is not unwelcome. We all need someone to run to"
"Yeah" Grace chewed on her lip. "What is it like, to be a Mother?"
"Terrifying, beautiful, exhausting and all-consuming"
"Shit"
Teyla laughed quietly. "But everyday? It is hard work, but I would not change it. The love exchanged between the parents and shared between the children is unending, limitless. I feel blessed"
Grace nodded.
"This is something you are considering?"
Sighing, Grace tugged on the grass in front of her. "I know the guys have talked about it between them but they have not discussed it with me"
"They are concerned?"
"I think so. My age seems to be something that they can't get past. And I'm not great at feelings and stuff. It makes me uncomfortable when people show affection for me that's not linked to sex, and I don't really like to talk about it"
"And yet you sit here and speak with me?"
"Yeah. I suck"
Teyla smiled. "Sometimes you speak like John"
"Great"
"I have seen a change in him since he returned from Earth. He was always reluctant to speak about how he felt, show others he cared for them. You are a part of that change"
"Actually I think that's probably Cameron. He's delightfully open. Now he's gotten over his big gay freak out"
"I do not understand this term"
"Ah, right. Um, he struggled to come to terms with the fact he was also attracted to men"
"I see. However, maybe your difficulty with voicing your feelings and thoughts has forced John to become more open?"
"Huh, I never thought about it like that"
"You are welcome"
"Now you sound like John"
"I think that they care for you how you are and you must not force yourself to become something you are not. Plant the seed, hint that you are considering it and let them lead if this is how you would prefer it to happen"
Grace nodded. "Yeah, I let slip a little comment before I left for here, no doubt Cameron is dissecting it bit by bit" She curled her knees up under her chin. "To be honest the whole 'getting us to Atlantis' plan really knackered me out. I don't think my brain can handle anything other than sleep, eat and beat up bad guys for a while yet"
"You will be ready when you need to be. You spent many years fighting alone, for now enjoy what you do and your new home, let someone else plan and lead the way"
"Thank you Tey. If you decide to return it would be lovely to have you nearby"
One month later.
Vala looked down at herself. "Oh dear, Dean is going to be very cross"
Rodney snorted. "Maybe for about a second before he drags you off for sex"
She smiled. "He is wonderfully virile"
"Euw, that's my brother you're talking about"
Vala looked over at her second and raised a brow. "I like the colour of yours"
"Want to swap?"
"No stripping!" Rodney pointed at them. "Let's go home before I end up in a dress as well"
"But you'd look so pretty McKay"
He glared at Laura. "I draw the line at cross-dressing"
"I'm sure Paul would find it..interesting"
"You should all be thankful I managed to keep my uniform on, that way they'll open the shield and we won't all be squashed like bugs when we walk through the gate"
"That's what I like about you McKay, always looking on the bright side of life"
He flipped Grace off. "Come on, and don't start singing that ridiculous song again either"
Dr McKay followed his teammates and sighed quietly. He'd been generous when he'd said 'dress', a soft chiffon material had been expertly wrapped around them, hiding what he would call the important bits. Vala's was sky blue, Grace's emerald green and Laura's a deep purple. He had to give the crazy arse natives who wanted to marry them off to their priests some credit. They did indeed look a little like Goddesses now. "Bollocks" he muttered. This was not going to go down well.
SGA-1 and SGA-2 were gearing up in the gateroom preparing to visit an old ally after reports that there had been 'pirate' activity in their sector.
"Try not get into a full-blown battle with space pirates"
John grinned. "Yes Sir"
"Or get recruited by space pirates, or married to one"
Dean snorted. "Dude, that's happened like once"
"Don't call me dude Winchester" Cameron glared at him.
"Yeah, he's way too old to be a dude"
"Fuck off Lorne"
"So professional. Carter should take tips from you guys"
They glared at Sam who grinned back. The gate alarm sounded. Chuck stood and leant over the railings. "It's SGA-3 Sir"
"Of course it is" Cam nodded for the shield to be dropped.
They stepped back onto Atlantis.
"Oh dear" murmured Laura.
"Maybe they won't notice?"
She scowled at Grace. "Right, cause we all look so inconspicuous"
"Ooh, do you have one of those 'word of the day' calendars?"
"Fuck you"
Someone cleared their throat. "If I'm not interrupting?"
They looked at Cam.
"Its ok, we can pick it up again later"
"Oh, thank you" He crossed his arms. "Go well, did it?"
"Yes, they liked us so much they gave us pretty new outfits"
"What is it about you lot?"
"People love us.."
"And never want us to leave"
"Just be grateful we left before Rodney got his"
"Hey!"
"His was white"
"This is not funny"
"Sorry Cameron" Grace smiled up at him.
"No you're not"
"I'm trying to be"
"Stop winding up Cameron sweetheart. Where is your uniform?"
"They apologised for burning it"
"How civil of them. And you're wearing these because?"
"Um" Vala ignored Dean's glare. "They believed we were descended from the Ancients because we live in their city"
"And?"
"And therefore we should be married into their religion"
"Married?"
"Yes. Personally I think this is a little short for a wedding dress. There is not even a train"
"Or sparkly jewellery"
"Umhmm. I was definitely promised I would get to wear a tiara when I got married"
"We'll get Vala to steal you one next time we come across a treasure house"
"Aw, thank you"
"Hey, what are second-in-commands for?"
"Enough"
They turned back to the other two gate teams. Sam raised a brow. "Are any of you actually married?
Vala shook her head. "Once we understood what they were trying to say to us I explained that we could not be married because we already worshipped another"
"Another?"
Laura smiled. "She-Ra the Princess of Power"
"You're fucking kidding me?"
"Nope"
"Why?"
"Cause it was funny"
Rodney choked back a laugh.
"McKay!"
"Oh come on, its a little funny. And when we explained all about our great and powerful Princess they were eager to send an offering to her" He toed the bag at his feet.
"I know I'm gonna regret asking this but what did they send?"
"Oil"
"Oil?"
"Umhmm. It smells like chocolate and makes your skin all smooth and sparkly"
Dean stepped closer and inhaled. "Oh my God, they covered you in oil!"
"Yes, they are incredibly skilled. I would recommend sending teams out there when on R&R"
He growled quietly. "I don't think so"
"That is a shame. You look very tense, perhaps a massage would help?"
"Val.."
"Ok" Cam cleared his throat. "SGA-3, out of my gateroom, find clothing, get checked out and then debrief. Don't talk to anyone, don't stop anywhere, no 'calling in' to the mess for snacks. SGA-1 and 2 finish gearing up then I'll let you go find some space pirates to beat up"
"Ooh space pirates, can we come?"
"Get out!"