John's POV

I was a little…mixed. I was relieved, finally I could stop lying…but it didn't mean I wasn't nervous as hell.

I did go to Rodney's lab, but I decided just to call Lorne up on his earwig, I needed to try and settle my nerves before I met him face-to-face.

I'd settled back on the large leather chair at the end of the table, there was another twenty minutes or so until anybody was mean to arrive. However, when I heard the soft click of the door it was almost expected. I kept my eyes closed and smiled when I felt his lips gently touch to mine.

"I thought you might have been in here, why didn't you call me or something?" The lovely doctor asked but all I could do was shrug, "I thought a little peace would settle me but it turns out it does nothing but make me go crazy." He chuckled and sat down on the next chair, "Aye, you never have been able to sit still." I blushed.

"I actually think I'm scared Carson." I quietly admitted and he took my hand that was clenched on the table and squeezed it gently in his, "If I know Major Lorne, he'll be fine, and he'll support us."

"Support what doc?" Evan sauntered in, giving me a polite smile and nod before sitting down next to Carson. "Patience Major," I smiled back.

After that everyone came in, Carter and Rodney on the opposite side with Ronan and Teyla, and the rest of Lorne's team, including Radek, filling in next to Lorne. Obviously, Carson had dropped my hand and soon as Lorne came in but I still knew he was there, watching over me.

"Well now that you're all here, I'll start," I took a deep breath. "I'm reducing my duties," There was more than a few frowns at that, "Lorne, I want you to integrate our two teams together, make some sort of rotor or whatever you think is best."

I was shaking at this point and Carson saw it. "John…" He nudged me with a frown of worry on his face. "I need some air." I shot out of the room and out onto the balcony off the gate room.

I leant on the railing and tried sucking in some deep breaths. My chest was tight as I fought back unnecessary tears. I flinched when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I spun round to see Lorne, looking worried, an expression he rarely wore.

"Sir, what's going on? At least tell me it's not bad because I swear I have your back if it is." He was practically begging me to tell him. "I don't want your job, Colonel, not if it means losing you." I shook my head with a little amusement, relieved that he felt like that. I didn't think anybody was that loyal to me?

"Major…It's not bad, as such. I guess. I mean, you'll only be me temporarily." He was confused now, "Look, I know this is going to sound like some sort of sick joke and at first, I thought it was…please just trust me." He nodded, "I trust you with my life, sir."

"Major, I need you to take over because in a matter of months there'll be a mini-me in the world. Evan…I'm pregnant." The man's eyebrows raised, it was inevitable that he'd be shocked; it isn't everyday a man gets pregnant.

"Okay, that's literally the last thing I expected to hear – how?" I gnawed on my bottom lip, "We haven't quite figured it out yet," Carson's voice spoke out, he was just in the door way. Lorne turned to face him. "It could be something the ancient's have done or maybe even Michael."

Evan's eyes shot open at the mention of Michael but Carson put his hands up, "It's not a creepy hybrid he's breeding, it's a perfectly normal human being." He let out a breath of relief which made me chuckle silently.

"Okay then." His expression then changed from cautious to…happy. "Sir, I'd like to offer you my congratulations – I think it's about time we had something to look forward to." I looked so warm, it made me just want to hug him…but that'd be weird, so I just shook his hand.

We went back to leaning on the railing, Carson leaning on the wall of the tower, watching from a distance. "Sir, is this where I have to ask?" He said quietly and I sighed and looked at him sadly, "I think so."

There were a few minutes of just gazing out to the ocean before he spoke up. "Can we do this off the record? I don't think I want to have this conversation with my boss." I nodded gently, fidgeting slightly. "I don't know how to ask, John." He scratched at the back of his neck.

"Carson." His brow furrowed as he looked over to the man, "Huh?"Wuh?"brow furrowed as he looked over to the man, " He asked almost dumbly, trying to avoid coming to the wrong conclusion. "Carson is the father." I said bluntly once again. If I dragged it out, the chances of me crying would increase tenfold and my XO doesn't want to see that.

"Doc?" He looked around for confirmation, Carson just gave him a silent nod, and nothing else needed saying. Or I didn't think it did, Evan thought otherwise. "You know what sir, I'm happy for you – as long as you're happy of course – and I can't wait." He was genuinely excited, I could see it all over his face.

"I told you he'd have your back, John." Carson smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. Evan frowned at that comment, "You doubted me?" He looked a little offended so I quickly shook my head. "No, I never doubted you but then again it's not every day you tell a colleague and friend that you got knocked up by a guy." Carson snorted out loud and I sent a glare his way but he knew it wasn't serious.

"Well, it's not every day you end up in a different galaxy with those friendly wraith guys." I had smile at that, of course, we were already in a ridiculous scenario.

Carson's POV

I couldn't have been more grateful for having a man like Major Lorne on Atlantis, he symbolised everything good here and I was so glad he took John's news…our news well. It's been a long time since I've been a 'we'.

Major Lorne went back inside after relieving John of his duty to inform everyone else, even though Carter was probably already telling them anyway. I went over to John who was still looking out over the ocean and rubbed his back gently.

He turned and smiled at me, "Thank you." He whispered happily. "What for?"

"Looking out for me but not jumping in. I think if you were anyone else you would have tried to be an overbearing worried person but I'm really glad you weren't."

I smiled at him, "There was never going to be an issue with Major Lorne, I know he's a good man and he'll always protect you." He nodded at me. "Yeah, but I want to thank you anyway." I squeezed his shoulders gently.

Good old Lorne! Of course, he always has to be the good guy :)