A/N: Comes in at 498
The Morning After
John had not heard from Rodney since he was released from the infirmary and he was worried. He expected a call that Rodney was bored and wanted company, knowing that it would be another week or two before the scientist would be returning to his normal duties. Sheppard gave his friend until nine before he decided to check on him and make sure everything was okay. Radio calls went unanswered and knocking on the door was pointless. He knew McKay would be angry for him breaking in, but he just wanted to make sure Rodney was all right. When the door opened the sight before him was unexpected, but in a good way. "Way to go, McKay," he whispered to himself. Sheppard smiled at the sleeping couple on the bed, curled up together with Rodney's arm holding Jennifer close. Not wanting to disturb them, John quietly exited the room. He would have a long chat with Rodney later.
The first thing Jennifer became aware of before she opened her eyes was that she was not alone. There was a comforting presence next to her and a firm grasp around her midsection. Must have fallen asleep during the movie. This was the first time in a month that the doctor woke up feeling fully refreshed. "Rodney, wake up," she lightly nudged him with her elbow.
"Already up," Rodney whispered. He was too comfortable to think about moving. "Never thought Saw would be the type of movie to fall asleep to."
Jennifer shifted so she could face her bed mate and made sure he did not give up his hold on her. "How long have you been awake?" The dullness that clouded Rodney's eyes when he was sick was gone and back was the sparkle that reminded her of a sapphire shining in the light.
Rodney liked this position much better, "About a half hour. You looked too peaceful to disturb. So I let you sleep." He had heard John earlier, but ignored him.
"Hmm. Thanks for that," she burrowed her head against his shoulder. "Haven't slept that well in a long time," she knew a big part of that had to do with knowing Rodney was really going to be all right.
"After all you did for me this was the least I could do," he smiled, feeling ecstatic. "Do you want to get some breakfast with me?"
Jennifer was back to playing coy, "Are you asking me on a date, Dr. McKay?"
"If I did, would you say yes?" a hint of a smirk tugged at his lips.
"How about I meet you in the mess hall in twenty minutes and give you my answer," she placed a kiss on his cheek before wiggling from his grasp.
"Make it twenty five. I'll see you then," Rodney watched as Jennifer nodded and then left his room. If this was the start of something, he wanted to take things slow and make Jennifer feel like the special woman she was.