A/N: I posted this chapter because I owe all of you for being so patient with me. I appreciate all of you that have reviewed and have read this story. Here is a little more to say thanks. Happy Reading!!!!
It had been several hour since Teyla chased and caught John. The village was now filled with sounds of song and laughter after dinner had been served. These were the times Teyla missed the most. She and John had enjoyed the hunt earlier for the wild beast they were eating now. It felt good to get back to the basics she thought.
Teyla sat with John around the campfire and listened as he told the children stories of how they had defeated the Wraith on Planet Brinar. She looked around at the faces of her people and saw how captivated everyone was with the way John was telling the story. Teyla loved how John would use his whole body when telling the story. John would use his hands to show how a he would hold his P-90 and fire at the in coming Wraith. Then he would use his voice for different noises like the sound of his gun firing or changing his voice from Ronon to Rodney then to Lorne. Teyla and the others laughed when John would imitate Teyla and Danielle in a high pitched voice.
Teyla held Torren who clapped his hands at the end of the John's story making everyone else in turn clap. John bowed at the end of his story and took his seat by a log in front of the fire with Teyla and Torren.
Once Torren saw that John was sitting comfortably he reached out to John and then did something very unexpected.
"da da"
John looked at Torren who giggled then started pulling off his shoes so he could play with his feet.
John turned to Teyla who was also looking at him.
"Did he just say say what I think he said?" John asked.
Teyla leaned in and kissed Torren's head.
"Yes, I believe he did. Is that alright with you John?" Teyla asked.
John looked at his soon to be family and smiled. He was never sure he wanted the title of father and the responsibilities that came with it. It was a big job and he had been witness to what it was like when it was done wrong. His father wasn't the greatest role model when it came to being father of the year and that always bothered John. John always wondered how was he supposed to be a good father when that lesson was never taught to him. He didn't want to use Torren as his test run. He really wanted to get it right on the first try. So hearing Torren call him "da da" out of the blue let him know that he was at least on the right track and that was a good feeling.
John was just about to answer Teyla when he noticed Kannan and his girlfriend sitting on the other side of the fire. He suddenly wondered if Torren had ever mentioned those words to Kanaan. John hoped that he hadn't inadvertently stolen a father and son moment from Kanaan.
"Teyla, I love the fact that the little guy here thinks of me as his dad but I just want to make sure that I'm not stealing Kanaan's thunder here. Do you know if Torren has ever called him da da?" John asked.
"He has tried but the words have never come out so clearly. John, just because Torren has not said the words to Kanaan doesn't take away the love Torren has for his father. I have seen Torren tell his father in many other ways how much he loves him. They will always have a special bond as father and son. You do not have to worry that you have taken anything away from Kanaan. What you heard tonight... you were meant to hear. Torren gave you a gift a tonight John. He was letting you know that he wants you to be apart of his life. Just like I do. So cherish it." Teyla said.
"Is that true little guy? You want me in your life?" John asked Torren.
Torren stopped trying to stick his foot in his mouth and looked up at John. He sat up and placed his little hands on John's face and smiled.
"da da." Torren said.
John held Torren close to him and gave the boy a hug. He could barely get the words past the lump in his throat.
"Thank you Torren. I promise to always be there for you like a good da da should be." John said.
Teyla leaned over and gave John a kiss on the cheek and kissed the top of Torren's head. She wished that she had a camera to capture this moment between Torren and John. Teyla hoped that this was just the start of many happy moments with John and Torren.
Torren snuggled closer into John's chest and yawned. John waited patiently for Torren to found a comfortable spot in his arms. Once Torren was situated, John leaned back against the log and felt Torren's body go limp, letting him know that the little guy was asleep.
Teyla looked over and saw Torren was sleeping in John's arm. She reached over to take Torren from John but he let Teyla know he was fine and that he wanted to hold the little guy just a little longer.
Halling stood up from where he was sitting with his family. He knew that Teyla wanted to talk to him about something and figured there was no better time than the present.
"Children, I believe it is time for all of you to turn in." Halling said.
John smiled as he heard the collective aw's from the children.
"But we want to hear more stories from Colonel Sheppard. Please Father?" Jinto said.
"Not tonight. The adults have much to discuss this evening. Say good night to everyone and I will see you in the morning." Halling said.
"Yes, Father. Good night everyone and thank you Colonel Sheppard for the story." Jinto said.
"Anytime buddy, and great catch this afternoon." John said.
John chuckled to himself as he watched Jinto'sface beam with pride and as Jinto walked towards his home he stood a little taller.
When the children and most of the other adults returned to their homes Halling and the other elders moved closer to Teyla and John.
Teyla looked up and saw Kanaan about to leave and excused herself from John and the others for a second to go and speak to him.
"Kanaan, please wait." Teyla called.
Kanaan and his new mate turned around when Teyla called them and waited for her to reach them.
"Teyla it is wonderful to see you again. It has been too long. This is my mate, Ishari. We are to married before the end of this season." Kaanan said.
"That is wonderful Kaanan. You will be married during the festival of the new moon?" Teyla asked.
"Yes. The ceremony will follow the old traditions and take place at night when the moon rises. You will come won't you? Teyla, you are after all still my dear and oldest friend. Don't tell me you are not going to honor your promise to me from all those years ago." Kaanan said.
Teyla gave Kannan a puzzled look then remembered their promise. It was made when they were very young and after the Wraith had taken her mother. She had almost forgotten about it.
"I remember. We promised that we would always be there for one another and when it was time for us to be joined to another we would be in the others wedding party. It would be my honor to keep that promise to you. I'm very pleased for you and Ishari. I wish you both nothing but happiness. May the ancestors bless you both." Teylasaid and then placed her forehead on Kanaans.
When Teyla and Kanaan were done she walked over to Ishari and touched foreheads with her.
"Thank you Teyla. You're blessings and presence at our marriage ceremony means more than you know to both of us." Ishari said.
Teyla was very happy for Kaanan. She was glad that he had found someone new and that Torren's family would be growing. She watched as Ishari stood with Kanaan and could see then that he was truly happy and at peace.
"Kanaan, I will be meeting with the Halling and the elders about some recent changes in my life. I believe that you should be there." Teyla said.
"Is everything alright Teyla?" Kanaan asked.
"Yes and no. I will be going on a mission and it could be very dangerous. The outcome is very uncertain." Teyla said.
"Kanaan, go with Teyla. I will see you when you are done. Teyla, may the ancestors protect and guide you on you're journey." Ishari said.
"Thank you Ishari." Teyla said.
Kanaan turned to Ishari and kissed her on the cheek then told her he loved her and would see her soon. Then he and Teyla walked back to where the others were sitting and waiting for there return.
Teyla took her seat next to John while Kanaan on the other side of her. She looked over to John and saw that he was no longer holding Torren.
"Where is Torren?" Teyla asked.
"Halling took him and put him in you tent. He has a women named Suka watching him." John said.
Teyla looked at John and was amused by the look on his face. He looked disappointed that Torren was no longer in his arms.
"You miss him don't you?" Teyla said.
"Yeah, the spot he was in is all cold now. The little guy was keeping me warm." John said.
Teyla smacked John's arm and laughed.
"John, I cannot believe you compared Torren to a heating blanket." Teyla said.
"I'm just kidding. Well alittle. I do miss him though. You sure he is going to be ok?" John asked.
"Yes, John. He will be fine. Suka is mid-wife and grandmother." Teyla said.
"So she has some experience with children. Ok I feel better now." John teased.
"I'm glad she meets your approval John." Teyla said.
Teyla looked around and saw that all the elders of the village were present. She looked back at John and he gave a supportive smile. Teyla turned back around and looked out to the faces of her village. They were people she had known all her life and to think that there was even the smallest possibility that she would not see them scared her. She knew that each mission she went on always brought with it the chance that she might not ever return but something about this mission made it more real than ever before.
Hallinglooked at his friend and knew that Teyla must have had a great burden placed on her shoulders to give her the look on her face she had know. To him, she looked like that she was trying to focus on everyone's face and memorize them like she would never see them again. It's time he thought to find out what was going on.
"Teyla, we are all here. What is it that you want to tell us" Halling said.
Teyla nodded her thanks to Halling and began to tell the elders all about Naharra, the sisters, and about how she would be leaving to go to go to Naharra to train tomorrow morning. As she looked around Teyla saw many different reactions, they ranged from wonder to anger. Many times she tried to read Hallings reactions to what she was saying but he sat expressionless. Most likely waiting until she was done before he revealed his feelings to her.
When she was finally done telling her story of the sisters she gave everyone time to let the information she gave them sink in. She sat back down next to John and waited for the questions to start.
"So you are leaving tomorrow then to train with these people?" one of the elders asked.
"Yes, my training starts tomorrow." Teyla said.
"Who will be going with you?" another elder asked.
"Colonel Sheppard will be with me as well Major's Campbell and Lorne, and the rest of our team." Teyla said.
"I am glad that Colonel Sheppard will be going with you." Kaanan said.
"As, am I." Halling said finally speaking up.
Teyla turned her attention to her friend.
"I have one more question. It is for you Colonel Sheppard." Halling said.
"Shoot." John said.
"Do you trust these people?" Halling asked.
"Not as far as I can throw them." John said.
Halling nodded in agreement. From what Teyla had said it sounded more like she had been both blessed and cursed by this gift of the ancestors. He knew that Teyla need to go and do this training but his heart was telling him that no good would come of it. He feared for her safety.
"I agree with the Colonel. I do not think you should go." Halling said.
"I agree with you there Halling but the fact is she needs to go. Teyla and Campbell need to learn how to control these powers before they or someone else is hurt by them." John said.
"It makes me feel better that you are going with Teyla. I know my friend can handle herself in combat but I think that feel that there is more than this Tollara may be saying and the information he is holding back my cause Teyla to be harmed in some way." Halling said.
"John will watch over me Halling. He will not allow any harm to fall upon me. Speaking of John, we do have some happy news to share. A reason to celebrate actually." Teyla said waving John closer to her.
"John has asked me to be his wife." Teyla said.
Everyone stood up and cheered for the happy couple. As the women walked over to Teyla to offer their blessing and congratulations Halling and Kannan walked over to John.
"Colonel, let me say how happy how I am for you both. May the ancestors bring blessing to you both." Halling said.
"Thank you, Halling." John said.
Halling touched John's forehead in the traditional Athosian way then made his towards Teyla.
John turned around and saw Kanaan still standing there. He could see Kanaan had something on his mind. This was one conversation John was not looking forward to.
"Colonel, I know that we have never seen things eye to eye, especially when it comes to Teyla. I have never tried to be your friend and you have never tried to be mine."
John was about to interrupt when Kannan put his hand.
"Please let me finish." Kanaan said.
John shook his head and let Kanaan continue.
"I knew for a long time that Teyla's heart did not belong to me. That her heart belonged to another. To you. I had seen the way you both looked at each and knew there was something between you. When she came to me to say that she had chosen me to be hers, I was so happy. It didn't matter to me that she didn't love me as much as she said she did. I was willing to except anything her heart could offer. After Micheal, things changed. We changed. I thought after Torren was born we would find each other again but we never did. At first I blamed Micheal for us not being together. Then I blamed Teyla. Then I blamed you. The truth is Colonel, I was the one to blame. I knew there was no future for Teyla and I but still tried to make something out of nothing. I stood in the way of Teyla and your happiness because I was not brave enough to step aside and let nature take it's true course. Her heart has always belonged to you and it always will. I guess what I am trying to tell you is that I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me for keeping you away from happiness with Teyla. Being with Ishari has opened my eyes and shown me what I kept from you. For that, I am sorry." Kanaan said.
John stood there and couldn't believe what he had just heard. Kanaan was just apologizing to him for the wrongs he felt he had done against John. He was totally blown away by what he just heard. John knew he couldn't just leave it like that. Not all the blame rested on Kanaan's shoulders.
"There is no need to apologize. I was just as wrong in all of this. I could have told Teyla a long time ago how I felt about her but I let my fear hold me back. I used the convenient excuse of her being on my team and that regulations wouldn't allow us to be together as my daily mantra. I was content with the way things were going until you came along and that's I knew I was too late. You were right when you said I never tried to be your friend. I saw you as a rival and I was jealous. You said you weren't brave enough to step aside, well I wasn't brave enough to step forward. I thought I missed my chance and when Torren was born I knew that nail was in the coffin. Then things brought us together. What I want you to know is that neither of us ever did anything inappropriate while you were together. I would like to put this all behind us and start a new. If we were on Earth I would offer to take you out for a beer or something." John said.
"Perhaps, one day we will share this "beer". I am glad to have this behind us Colonel. Torren is very lucky that he will have two fathers in his life." Kanaan said.
"Yes he is." John said.
John out stretched his hand and Kanaan shook it.
Teyla walked over to where John and Kanaan where standing. She stood between them and looked from one to the other trying to read their faces.
"What? We're fine." John said smiling.
"Yes, Teyla. We are fine. I must go now. Ishari is waiting for me. Safe journey Teyla. Watch over her Colonel." Kanaan said.
"With my life." John said.
Kanaannodded then headed towards his home and Ishari.
"Is everything alright with you two?" Teyla asked moving closer to John.
"Right as rain." John said pulling Teyla into a kiss.
Teyla pulled out of the kiss and smiled.
"Are you ready to go to bed?" Teyla asked.
"Not yet. It's a beautiful night and everyone else has gone. Why don't we sit here a little while little longer, watch the stars, and make out a little?" John said.
"I think that is a wonderful idea. Although I do not under stand what making out is."Teyla said taking John's hand.
"Don't worry. I'll explain it to you." John said.
They sat down in front of a now smaller camp fire enjoying the view of the stars above and each other. Not worrying about the troubles tomorrow was sure to bring.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Evan passed his hand over the sensor to his room door. He was dog tired. It seemed like every problem major or small required his attention. He solved all of them but never got to the one problem he needed to resolve. Danielle.
Evan looked over at his laptop and saw that Danielle had submitted two reports for review about twenty minute ago. According to his screen she was working on her third report.
She must be catching up on work she missed while she was injured Evan thought.
"She should be relaxing not stressing herself out with reports. God she can be so irritating some times." Evan said to himself.
Evan sat on his bed and started to take off his boots when he heard his door chime.
If it was another problem Evan was not in the mood. Whoever it was he was going to get rid of them very quickly. Evan waived his hand over the sensor to open the door.
"This had better be good." Evan said.
Standing in front of him was Danielle.
"I can come back later if your busy." Danielle said. She was about to turn back around to leave when Evan called her name.
"Dani wait. Come in." Evan said.
Danielle walked in the room and stood near the door while Evan sat on his bed and took off his boots.
She looked at Evan and could see that he looked very tired. She watched as he walked to the closet and put his boots away. He sat back down on the bed and looked at her with eyes that looked like they would close at any minute.
"You look tired." Danielle said softly.
"It's been a long day." Evan said.
"Well I don't want to keep you up we have busy day tomorrow. So I'll see you later." Danielle said.
Danielle was about to wave her hand over the sensor to leave but she stopped when she heard Evan get up off the bed.
"Is that what you came to say?" Evan said.
"No." Danielle said.
"What did you come to tell me?" Evan said.
Danielle turned around and found Evan right in front of her.
"You know I had this speech all prepared for you." Danielle said.
"Really?" Evan said moving closer to her.
"Yeah, it was really good too." Danielle said.
Evan touched Danielle face and ran his hand down her jaw line. He watched as she closed her eyes and a tear came down her cheek.
"I'm sorry Evan. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to start a fight with you. I didn't mean to make you upset. I just couldn't admit that I was wrong and take care of the things I needed to." Danielle said.
Evan was about to pull Danielle into a hug when she moved away.
"Please, let me finish. You being so close is really distracting." Danielle said.
Evan moved away and let Danielle finish what she had to say.
"I should have never accused you of breaking my confidence. You of all people have always had my back and the one time where I should have trusted you and had yours I didn't. You were again right when you said this "thing" between Sheppard and I needs to stop. Tomorrow we will be hashing this all out and no matter whatever the outcome is, I'm glad that you made me see that I can't let it go on any longer." Danielle said.
"Are you done?" Evan asked.
"Yeah." Danielle said.
"Can I hug you now?" Evan asked.
"Yes, please." Danielle said.
Evan walked over and hugged Danielle who melted right into his arms. They stood there quietly for several minutes just holding each other.
"How do deal with me?" Danielle asked.
"Lots of alcohol." Evan joked.
Danielle laughed.
"You laugh. Carson keeps an extra bottle of scotch for me at his desk." Evan said.
"I'll have to thank him." Danielle said.
Evan kissed Danielle on the neck then yawned.
"Oh that was sexy." Danielle said.
"I'm sorry. It really has been a long day and I'm bushed." Evan said.
"I'll let you go to bed." Danielle said.
"Stay." Evan said.
"You sure? You look like you need all the sleep you can get." Danielle said.
"I'll sleep easier if your with me." Evan said.
"Hold that thought. I'll be right back." Danielle said. She left Evan's room before he could ask where she was going.
Evan took off his shirt and hung it up in his closet. He heard the chimes of his door again and quickly walked over to open the door.
He opened the door for Danielle who had her all her gear with her including her pajamas.
"Where were you hiding this?" Evan asked as she walked in.
"Um..around the corner hoping you would invite me in." Danielle said sheepishly.
"You knew I was going to ask you to stay." Evan said changing out of the rest of his clothes in to a black shirt and shorts.
"I didn't know. I just reallly hoped." Danielle said putting her gear away.
She went into the bathroom and quickly changed into her pajamas which was a Yankees jersey and shorts. Danielle shut the light off in the bathroom then crawled into bed with Evan. She snuggled up right next to him.
Evan turned off the light and pulled Danielle closer to him.
"You know this will be our first official night together where one of us doesn't have to leave." Evan said.
"I just hope nothing crazy happens. That would be great." Danielle said.
"Oh crap! I forgot something." Evan said hopping out of bed and turning back on the light.
Danielle watched as Evan searched his room for what he was looking for.
"Can I help you find it?" Danielle aked.
"Yeah please." Evan said.
"Look in the closet" Evan said looking around his desk.
"Closet right." Danielle said moving out of bed towards the closet.
As she was looking through Evan's closet she started to realize she didn't know what she was looking for.
"Uh Evan? What am I looking for?" Danielle asked checking his top shelf.
"It's a small box. I think I left it in one of my uniform shirts" Evan said.
"Did you wear the shift today?" Danielle said.
"Maybe. The one I wore today is closer to the back." Evan said.
Danielle shifted Evan's shirts back and found the one he was wearing today. Evan was the only person Danielle knew that would hang his dirty shirts back up so he could take them down later to have them washed.
"Found the shirt." Danielle said. She took the shirt off it's hanger and saw the bulge in his right shift pocket. Must be the box she thought. She opened the shirt pocket and pulled out the box.
"You gonna open it?" Evan said from behind her causing Danielle to jump.
"Oh god! Make some noise will you." Danielle said.
She looked at the box in her hand. It was small square blue box that fit right in the palm of her hand. She felt the box in her hand the matarial was soft and felt like velvet. It almost looked it could hold a …
"Evan? Is this what I think it is?" Danielle asked.
"I don't know. Open it and see." Evan said putting his arms around Danielle's waist.
Danielle slowly opened the box then shut it quickly.
"I can't. What if it's not what I think it is?" Danielle said.
"You'll never know unless you open it. Here's a hint. It's very shiny." Evan said.
"Key your apartment back on earth?" Danielle asked.
"Open the damn box women." Evan chuckled.
Danielle took a deep breath and opened the box.
"Oh Evan. It's...it's a ring." Danielle said through tears.
"Yes it is." Evan laughed.
Evan moved in front of Danielle and got down on one knee.
"Oh god. This is real." Danielle said.
"Danielle..." Evan was about to go on when Danielle placed her fingers on his lips.
"You are going to kill me. But you can't do this." Danielle said.
"And why not?" Evan asked.
"Look at me. I'm a mess. My hair isn't done. I have no make up on and I'm in Yankee pajamas. That's not how I pictured this moment at all." Danielle said.
"You look beautiful to me and who needs all that fancy stuff anyway." Evan said.
"Me, you big dummy." Danielle said laughed.
"Tough. Now shut up so I can do this." Evan said.
"Right. Shutting up." Danielle said.
"When I joined the SGC they told me that I would see and meet the most amazing people. They told me that my life would never be the same. That everyday would be an adventure. I didn't believe them until the day I met you. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. My life has not been the same since I met you. So Danielle, would you do me the honor of being my wife and starting a whole new adventure with me?" Evan said.
"Yes! Oh my god yes! Evan I will!" Danielle said.
"Yes!" Evan said getting off his knee. He picked up Danielle and started hugging her and swinging her around in his arms.
"You are supposed to be keeping me calm mister. This in way is keeping me calm. Colonel Carter might not like you violating her orders." Danielle chuckled.
"I'll risk the court martial. No let's see how that ring looks on that finger." Evan said placing Danielle back down.
Evan took the ring box out of Danielle's hand. He took the ring out and placed it on her finger. It slid on her finger like it was made to be there.
"Evan it's beautiful. How did you know my size? How did you pull this off?" Danielle asked.
Evan took Danielle's hand and walked her over to the bed. They layed down and he watched as she kept looking at her ring.
"I started planinng this months ago. I sent a letter to my mom about you and what I was looking for and she took care of everything. She used the money I had been saving for a rainy day to get you that 3 carat heart shapped diamond on your finger. I told her to make sure the setting was gold but she told me in my letter that platinum was much better. I knew your size because you and my mother have the same delicate fingers. I figured you would be close to her size so I took a chance, told my mom,and it paid off. " Evan said.
"Yes it did. I love it. God Evan, with all the craziness that has been going on this is the best thing ever. It gives me hope that things are going to be alright." Danielle said.
Evan looked at Danielle and saw that she looked a little sad.
"Why do you look so sad on what should be the happiest moment of your life?" Evan asked.
"Because tomorrow morning I will have to take my ring off and act like nothing happened. I will have to go do some stupid training and help people who I think are lying to me. I will have to do all this, when I all I wanna do is scream at the top of my lungs that I love this man sitting here next to me, and that I am so honored that he chose me to be his wife." Danielle said.
Evan pulled Danielle's face to his and gave a her small gentle kiss on her lips.
"Dani, it doesn't matter that no one else knows but us. You not wearing the ring doesn't change the fact that I want to marry you. I'd marry you tomorrow if I could but this is the way it has to be for now. As soon as this business with the Naharrans are done, you and I will march right into Colonel Carter's office and tell her we are engaged. Then I'll take you to the West pier and you scream all you want about how much you love me. Can't live without me. That I'm irrestiable. Incredible sexy. You get the jist." Evan said.
"Yeah I get it. I love you Evan. You know that right?" Danielle said.
"With all my heart and then some." Evan said.
Danielle snuggled over to Evan and whispered in his ear.
"So what are we going to do now?" Danielle said.
Evan whispered in Danielle's ear exactly what he would like to do.
"Is than an order Major?" she giggled.
"No. That's a request.... to my fiance'." Evan said.
Danielle climbed on top of Evan and started to give slow kisses that he quickly responded to. Evan pulled Danielle down to him and continued kissing her while he shut off the light so they could celebrate.