With Christmas seemingly right around the corner, Elizabeth was all too happy to finally be released and back on duty before the first December, granted she was on light work, but she wasn't worried. She sighed softly as she continued to make her way through the hallways.
Christmas was in twenty-five days and counting, well as far as Carson was concerned. Elizabeth had already discussed it in depth with several of her faculty, there was no question that most of the people on Atlantis wanted to go home for the holidays, and there was no way everyone could go at once. She had done it in rounds so far, she had set it for a specific reason, and the day after thanksgiving she sent the third shift home for the holidays. They would stay for a week, and then they would come home on the Daedalus. Then on the eighteenth the second shift would go home, and then finally shortly before Christmas any of the first shift people who wanted to go.
"Good morning Carson," Elizabeth said with a smile on her face as she greeted her top doctor and closest friend.
"Morning Elizabeth, I was just on my way to see ya."
"Really?"
"Aye…I was wonderin' what ye had planned for Christmas?"
"Well…ah, actually I don't know just yet. My brother invited me to join him…but…well…" she shrugged.
"What?"
"He's going to his in-laws, and I don't want to intrude…so I'll probably enjoy a nice quiet Christmas here on Atlantis. What about you? Heading home to see your mother?"
"Aye, I made a promise I'd be home…although I'd appreciate it if you'd find out what a certain scientist is plannin', my mum would love to have him if he isn't goin' home."
"Ah, and you can't talk to him because?"
"He threw me out of his lab…"
"Really?"
"John's been busy with Johnny, and I'm not the most willing person in the world when it comes to activating ancient technology…he threw me out yesterday afternoon."
"I'll talk to him Carson, meanwhile take a day off," she said smiling.
She approached his labs and felt a smile grace her face as he heard his loud and normal rants, it was nice to finally have her Rodney McKay back. It had been quite some time since she had last heard him really giving some scientist a good yelling. It had been a long time since she had even been down to the labs.
"Rodney," she greeted, a large grin on her face.
Eyes swiveled up to meet hers, and a firm smile crossed his own features as he tossed one final retort at the younger scientist and glared at the soon retreating back, "to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked taking a seatbehind his desk.
"Actually, I was wondering what you were planning for the holidays?"
"Oh…well, to be honest I'm thinking about staying here."
"Really, why not Jeannie?"
"I don't know…she'd ask questions, and I can't leave Lauryn here alone…besides she's got her own family to worry about, I can see her another time."
"What happened Rodney?"
"Nothing…she and I just aren't conversing at the moment."
"Rodney, I may have only known you for three years, but I do know you…"
"She hasn't responded to any of my letters, not before…before the kidnapping or after…"
"Aren't you worried?"
"No…I called her one night while at the hotel…she wouldn't even speak to me."
"I'm so sorry Rodney… Any idea as to why?"
"A few...but not really...I think she's got something going on she's not ready to tell me yet..." he replied softly.
"What about Carson and John?"
"John is taking Johnny home to see Cheryl…and that's not my place to be there…it'll be awkward enough for John without me there…and Carson deserves to enjoy the time alone with his family…I've got all I need here, Lauryn…food…"
"Oh…"
"What about you Elizabeth? What are you doing for the holidays?"
"Oh…you know…"
"Visiting your brother?"
"Maybe…uh listen, there's another reason I came down here…I was thinking about a little Christmas party…"
"And you were wondering if I could hook one of our computers or players up to the sound system?"
"You read my mind," she said grinning. She saw a sly smile play over his lips and knew he had a retort but was holding it back.
"When would you like this done?" he asked smiling.
"Probably the twenty-first is a good day, everyone will be back from earth."
"Okay, I can do that," he said smiling.
"Thanks Rodney…"
"Anything for you Liz," he replied softly as he watched her leave.
Rodney knocked on the door softly and waited, finally after a few moments the door slid open with a hiss and she smiled softly at him, "Rodney," she had changed to call him by his first name shortly after their third or fourth mission, at least on the base, although now she usually just called him by his first name.
"Hi Teyla…I need some help…"
"Certainly, what can I do for you?"
"I need…well I need a present…we've got this tradition on my planet, I'm sure you remember Christmas last year…"
"Yes I do…"
"Well, I was wondering if there was anything on the mainland that could possibly be found that I could get for her."
"Her? Would this her...have a first name? Perhaps starting with an E?" Teyla joked gently.
Rodney just smiled, "maybe...will you help me?"
"Of course we can find something, when would you like to leave?" she asked gently.
"Uh…as soon as we can, if that's okay?"
"I will meet you in the jumper bay in twenty minutes?"
"That's great, thank you…"
Rodney was suddenly glad his brother had taught him how to pilot the jumpers, when he reported to John that he was going to the mainland for awhile, John had nodded and said nothing, giving his brother a break for once; knowing if Teyla went than the scienist woudl be safe.
There were hundreds of people willing to sell him something, however there was one single thing that caught his eye, "it's beautiful what is it?" he asked Teyla as he held up the beautiful crafted bracelet, it was thick black leather like thread with two beads on either side of a stunning jade colored stone.
"It's called a binding bracelet," Teyla said smiling.
"Binding?"
"The woman wears thewhite one, and the husband wears an identical black one…it's our way of showing marriage, it is how people of theAthos are no longer…available," Teyla explained, eyeing Rodney carefully.
"Maybe that's not the most appropriate thing," Rodney said suddenly, but Teyla's hand fell on his.
"I think it is most appropriate, for even if you do not tell her the meaning…you will know in your heart that when she wears it, her heart and soul belongs to you," Teyla said softly.
"But I don't know if it does," Rodney stated.
"It does," Teyla said simply.
Rodney looked at the bracelet and smiled softly, "I'll take it."
They didn't really decorate, they simply collected several CDs and favorite songs by the various occupants of Atlantis, and played them over the loud speaker Rodney had set up. The food came mostly from the Athosians, who were all too happy to join the festivities and get involved. Elizabeth had asked everyone to dress nicely, to try and make it seem like a real ball instead of some high school dance.
Rodney couldn't deny he was nervous, everyone was to be out of uniform and at least dressed in something moderately nice for the evening. So here he was standing in front of his bathroom mirror, shaving, combing his hair…really acting like he cared. He had a nice shirt and an over coat, with his dress pants. The light blue shirt that Teyla had said brought out his eyes.
"Well Lauryn?" Rodney asked as he stepped out of the bathroom. The baby on the floor looked up at him, and grinned.
"Purdy!" she cried clapping, her grin wide, revealing the four teeth she was growing.
"Come here," he said smiling as he hoisted her up into his arms. He sighed and looked at her, they had dressed her up in a nice little dress for the evening. "I'm sorry I can't give you much more…it's not going to be like a real Christmas for you, and I'm sorry about that, but I promise you, one year you'll get a real Christmas."
"It's not the presents that matter Rod, it's who she's with, and I have the feeling she could care less as long as you're still here to love and hold her when the day is over," came John's voice from the door. He was in khaki pants and a dark navy blue shirt with the top two buttons open.
"Where's Johnny?" Rodney questioned.
"Right here," John said when his son stuck his head through the doorway a few seconds later, his dark hair sticking every direction, wearing dark black pants and a dark green shirt. "Well…we shouldn't keep them waiting," grinned John.
"Right," with that the two men headed out of Rodney's room, and to the ballroom Rodney had found. It was a considerably large room, roughly the size of the gate room, without all the extra stuff in the way, just an open room, with windows to the balcony which were open, and music playing softly through the air.
The room was already becoming crowded as people stood around chatting. Rodney sighed as he, John and the kids joined Carson in a small group. Ronan had chosen to remain in his room, not quite seeing the point to being involved. Or perhaps he just didn't see the point of a ball, he truly didn't understand Christmas yet.
"So where are the ladies?" John asked smiling, he couldn't wait to see Teyla.
"Uh…well I haven't actually seen them all day," replied Carson as he took Lauryn into his arms.
The doors to the ballroom opened again, and all heads turned, there they stood, Laura Cadman, Elizabeth Weir and Teyla Emmagan, in all their beauty. Laura's strawberry blond hair was hanging past her shoulders slightly curled at the ends, she wore a stunning forest green dress that went to the floor, it was sleeveless, bringing out her beautiful eyes. She wore a pair of pearls around her neck and a pearl bracelet.
Carson's eyes were probably bugging out of his head as he stared at the beautiful woman who stood before everyone, she looked around, her eyes finally falling to him and smiled warmly at the doctor.
Teyla was in a dark navy blue dress that fell just below her knees, reveal her tanned legs, which John was no doubt enjoying. She had her hair half up and half down, she was as always, full of confidence, but she looked stunning. The neckline dipped down just slightly, not revealing much, but enough for John to go crazy at how beautiful she looked.
Then there was Elizabeth in the middle, wearing a beautiful apple red, in a dress that dipped down in the back, and just slightly around her neck, a bit of a halter-top, the dress also fell to the floor, accentuating her hips. Her brown hair fell around her shoulders. Rodney felt his heart jump at the pure sight of her.
"You three look…stunning," whispered John as the three women moved towards them.
"Thank you John," smiled Elizabeth softly. "Rodney, Carson you guys all look very nice."
Carson smiled softly, nodding a thanks and nudged Rodney back to speech, hoping the man would come to his senses, "you…you ah, wow," he whispered.
"Thank you Rodney," Elizabeth replied grinning as she took Lauryn into her arms.
Rodney watched her for a minute, unable to get over how beautiful she looked holding Lauryn. There was something about a woman...or pehraps just this woman, when she held a child. She seemed so much more down to earth, Rodney knew he held her on a pedstal at times, and he didn't mean to, but it was moments like this, moments when he just saw her with his little girl, and realized she was human, and an amazing human at that.
"Teyla…can I have this dance?" John asked politely.
"I would be honored," she replied, she took his offered hand and they headed onto the floor. Rodney watched his brother gracefully sweeping Teyla into a strong embrace.
"Rodney…" Elizabeth began, however Major Lorne came over and smiled at her.
"Would you like to dance Ma'am?"
"I would love to…but you'll have to call me Elizabeth for the evening," she said smiling at the Major.
Rodney watched in sadness as the woman he loved was swept off her feet as the two danced through the crowd. She truly was amazing, she wasn't like any other woman Rodney had ever met. She was beautiful, and most of all she deserved this evening, more than anyone here.
The night wore on, Rodney danced two songs with Lauryn at his side, and one with Cadman. "Rodney, may we dance?" questioned Teyla later into the night. Smiling Rodney nodded and allowed himself to lead the beautiful Athosian onto the dance floor.
"You have had a busy night," Rodney joked as he smiled at the woman he had come to love as a sister.
"I suppose, as have had you," Teyla replied, "were you going to ask Elizabeth to dance?"
"Ah…well eventually, people keep cutting me off," he smiled softly.
"I am not trying to intrude Rodney, but ask her, I am sure she will dance with you. I am also sure, there is no one else here she wishes to dance with more."
"I will, I promise…You and John have been dancing…a lot," Rodney said as he looked over at his brother. Teyla chuckled with Rodney at the sight of John swinging gently from side to side with Lauryn in his arms, who was all giggles.
"We care for each other a great deal…"
"And?"
"And we will remain friends, it is not easy."
"No, it's not," Rodney understood, more than he was willing to admit. They continued to dance until the song finally came to an end, then Teyla bent her head in the Athosian greeting, Rodney returned it. When she brought her head up he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "That, is for being a wonderful friend," he whispered.
"And you," she said returning the kiss to his cheek. She gently then, propelled him towards Elizabeth's general direction before going off to find John or Carson.
Rodney smiled softly as he heard the beginnings of the next song just as he approached her side, "Elizabeth…" he began and paused as the words began to flow from the speakers.
It's late in the evening
She's wonderin' what clothes to wear
She puts on her make-up
And brushes her long blonde hair
"Can I have this dance?" he knew how cheesy it sounded, but as she nodded slowly and took his hand, Rodney couldn't help but smile. He pulled her close, his hand in the small of her bare back. They gracefully swayed to the music.
"So…how do I look?" Elizabeth asked, knowing the next phrase to the song with a grin on her face.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight
"You look wonderful tonight Elizabeth," Rodney returned with a soft grin in return.
We go to a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
walkin around with me
"The night is almost over, it's been a real hit, thank you Rodney, for helping make this night come true," Elizabeth whispered.
Rodney smiled and pulled her close, feeling her head lean against his shoulder. Sighing, he rested his head against her, "it was your dream…I just made it come true."
"I don't want this to end." Elizabeth murmured.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight
"Just savor it, maybe we can make the most out of what's left of the night, there's at least two more songs." Rodney replied.
I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all is that you just don't realize how much I love you
"Rodney…I'm staying on Atlantis for Christmas," Elizabeth whispered nonchalantly, she tightened her arms around his neck.
"Don't worry, I'm staying too…"
It's time to go home now
And I've got an achin' head
So I give her the car keys
And she helps me to bed
"Rodney, what do we do when this is all over…what do we do when we have to go back…" She was trying to be strong, she wasn't going to cry, there was no reason to, because when she woke up tomorrow morning, he would still be there, by her side as his best friend. They would alwyas have their friendship.
"We remember this night, for as long as we possibly can. And trust me Liz, this is one night I'm not likely to ever forget."
And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darlin', you were wonderful tonight
Oh, my darlin, you were wonderful tonight
"Okay everyone," John's voice broke over the system as the song finally came to an end, Rodney continued to hold Elizabeth in his arms for a few more minutes. "One last song, for those Athosians who don't know much about Christmas…well all I can tell you is…it's a beautiful thing, and for those of us who want to be home, or can be home…this one is for you…"
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Rodney smiled as Frank Sinatra's voice floated over the entire room. He looked at Elizabeth and saw her eyes filling with tears, "What's wrong?"
"This was my father's favorite song," she whispered smiling softly.
"He's here Liz, right now."
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
The dance finished with a bang as they played Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while everyone finally left. Elizabeth and Rodney went their own separate ways, each knowing that they couldn't truly care for each other the way they wanted to. While they loved each other, they couldn't afford to be in love, because it would mean problems on Atlantis, and not even love was worth that for them.
Even Teyla and John separated that evening, understanding that this was one night, where they could put rank, and everything behind them. However as soon as the night was over, John would go back to being a Colonel and Teyla's team officer. Elizabeth would go back to being the head of Atlantis, and Rodney would go back to being her chief Scientist. When the night was over, they would still be lonely.
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
John, Carson, Johnny and several other officers stood in front of the open gate, turning back they smiled. Carson gripped Laura's hand tightly as he and Cadman stepped through the open wormhole. John shot his brother a look full of love and pride then gripped his son's hand and stepped through as well. They would go home, and enjoy their time at with their families and friends.
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas morning finally arrived, Elizabeth smiled when the door slid open, she held out the gently wrapped present towards her friend, "I thought…maybe we could spend Christmas together," she offered.
Rodney nodded and allowed her into the room, he gently took the offering and they sat down on the floor in the middle of the floor, where Lauryn was sitting amid wrapping paper and presents.
"I got her a few things while on earth…"
"A few things, I'd say you bought out Toys R Us," joked Elizabeth as she looked at all of Lauryn's new toys.
"Well…I also go this…while on the mainland," he handed her a long thing box.
Taking it from him she slowly opened and gasped at the beautiful bracelet he had gotten her, "oh Rodney…"
"To the Athosians they're binding bracelets, people where them to signify they are no longer single…But for us…well yours is to show…that my heart is yours."
"Thank you Rodney's it's beautiful," she replied as he gently wrapped it around her wrist then pressed a kiss to her hand.
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Cheryl sighed as she stepped down to the living room and smiled in a soft surprise, there on their fold out couch lay John in the middle of the bed, on either side of him lay his two children. Johnny curled up against his side, and Lisa sprawled out on the other side. John had a protective arm over both of them.
Wrapping her arms around her shoulders for a moment, she allowed herself to revel in the sight of her former husband. Shaking her head in awe she moved over to the couch and pulled the blanket up around John and the kid's shoulders. She then pressed a kiss to her son's head and daughter's, and slipped back upstairs.
Silent night
Holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glory streams from heaven above
Heavenly hosts sing 'Alleluja'
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Carson crept down the stairs of his house and smiled as his mother sat on the couch, a photo album in her lap, "mum, Santa will never come if ye don't get some rest," he whispered as he took a seat beside her.
Maggie looked up from the pictures and smiled gently at him, "remember this…your brother's first Christmas, you were just a wee one, six maybe eight," she sad looking at the picture of her strapping young man.
"Mum?"
"I'm fine luv…just remembering," she whispered. She pointed to another picture, Carson was a boy, and his father stood by his side, "your da…he was such a strong man."
"He taught me a lot…but mum, you were my heart, my very soul…my everything. I love ye mum," he replied pressing a kiss to her head as he wrapped an arm around his mother. She sighed, settling against his chest as she nodded.
"I'm not always goin' to be here lad, but I want ye to know how very proud I am of you and the man you've become. Your da would be proud too," she whispered patting his knee.
"Thank you mum. Happy Christmas mum…"
"Happy Christmas Carson."
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace.