Daniel Jackson wearily scrubbed at his eye as he slowly woke up and sat in his bed. Then suddenly it dawned on him that in less than an hour Sam would be arriving to drive him to the Daedalus, where they would spend the next eighteen days traveling to the Pegasus Galaxy.
All exhaustion was wiped from his mind as he hurried around to prepare for the day. With a hasty fifteen minute shower, a quick shave and getting dressed, he headed into the kitchen. Upon opening his fridge he grimaced, deciding that pizza and beer wasn't exactly the best breakfast idea he'd ever had. A knock on the door saved him from reaching inside and pulling out the pizza. He headed over to the door and opened it.
"Coffee and doughnuts, the breakfast of intergalactic Champions," Sam presented with a grin.
"You're amazing," Daniel replied as he pressed a kiss to her cheek and took the items from her hands.
"You're just saying that because it's true."
"Let me grab my bags and we can go."
"Yep…Daniel, are you still thinking about staying?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah…I was, but I couldn't, knowing that Vala is still out there somewhere," he spoke softly.
"I thought you hated her," grinned Sam as she eyed her best friend.
"I thought you hated McKay," Daniel shot back as he grabbed his last duffle bag and handed it over to Sam's waiting hands.
"I do hate him."
"Uh-huh, and yet you're still going to Atlantis with me. Why is that?" He locked the door to his apartment and they headed out to her truck.
Sam quickly tossed the gear in the bed of the truck and hopped inside, watching him for a moment as he ate the breakfast she had bought him. "This is bigger than Rodney McKay. So much bigger," she chuckled as she began to drive toward the restricted area, not far from the SGC where they housed the Daedalus on certain days.
"Don't tell him that, he wouldn't like you very much."
"So are you excited?" Sam asked, grinning at the man she loved like a brother.
"I feel like I'm not really going," he replied with another smile of his own.
"Yeah, well you are. Elizabeth contacted me this morning at the SGC, said that they couldn't wait to see us in eighteen days. Oh, and she also said that there will be someone who will be joining us on the Daedalus."
"She mention who?"
"Ah, no, but she said we'd probably like him."
Their trip was full of talk of their last few missions, Vala, Jack, various little memories from the past. Upon arriving, she parked the truck, and the two of them grabbed Daniel's stuff and made their way towards the large ship.
Stephen Caldwell stood at the end of the ramp to the Daedalus, by his side stood a small child, no older than eight or nine.
Insomnia seemed to be a common disease among those living on Atlantis. Before, during, and after the Wraith attack there had been few who found sleep peacefully. Now with it months behind them, they were able to finally rest.
Then there were those who found themselves so busy with one thing after another that they physically couldn't sleep. These people usually sought one another out for midnight company.
Doctor Carson Beckett hadn't had too many brushes with death in his seemingly young life. However, nearly a month after his serious injury from the ambush, he still found his dreams were plagued by nightmares. He was finally in charge of the infirmary again, and while he knew he should be resting, he was having trouble closing his eyes.
So here he was, sitting at his desk, a coffee at his side, in front of him sat the ultimate game of mental strategy, which had held his attention for the past four nights in a row. Across from his sat his best friend, a cup of coffee in his hand as well, as he also stared deeply at the Chess pieces in front of him.
Rodney couldn't remember ever being so afraid as he had been when both his brother John and his best friend had been seriously injured. He still seemed antsy around the two men. However these recent late night Chess games were easing the tension between the two doctors.
"Give it up lad, I've got ye beat," grinned Carson.
Rodney let out a low sound that was a cross between a laugh and snort before reaching forward and moving his knight, "Checkmate."
"Oh, you wanker," mumbled Carson, his face lighting up in a grin.
"Well Bones, you're playing with a master. So…same time tomorrow?"
"Sounds good, night lad," Carson said behind a stifled yawn as he began placing the pieces back in the box.
"Night buddy."
Elizabeth smiled as she stood waiting for the arrival of two of their most prominent and anticipated guests. Daniel and Sam were finally coming to Atlantis to stay for nearly a month and a half. She stood at the doorway to the pier that the Daedalus usually docked on and relaxed as the ship slowly set down.
She didn't have to wait long; JJ Sheppard, Colonel Sam Carter, and Doctor Daniel Jackson were three of the first people off the ship. "Sam! Daniel!" she beamed as she greeted her friends with hugs. She had to admit she had missed them. "JJ, how's my favorite little man," she said lifting the boy into her arms.
"It's good to see you again, Elizabeth," Sam said, having not seen her friend in nearly the two years since she had left.
"And you. How are you guys?" she smirked as Daniel dropped a kiss to her cheek.
"We're good…Life is interesting as always," replied Daniel.
"Well, come on then, let me give you the grand tour. I know you've been waiting two years for this," joked Elizabeth as she took her friends' arms and led them through the city.
"This place is…" Daniel just shook his head in amazement.
"Anything beyond our wildest dreams… Yeah, most of us still feel like that," Elizabeth chuckled.
"Have you even explored it all yet?" Sam questioned.
"No, we've gotten to a lot of it, but not nearly as much as we'd like. Dr. McKay has been looking into sufficient ways of searching the rest of the city in the near future, but it's still a lot to look at and it will take a lot of man power."
The small talk continued as they finally reached the gate room. Four people stood in front of the middle of that gate as Sam and Daniel stood in the control room looking down at the team, Sam realized one of them was McKay.
"Daddy!" called JJ as he dropped from Elizabeth's arms.
John opened his arms wide and laughed he hoisted the boy up into his arms and gave him a powerful hug. "Hey there kiddo, how's your mom?" he asked rubbing his son's back.
"Mom says hi! Rob bought me a Disney t-shirt!" JJ exclaimed.
"Good," John said, glad that at least Rob was still trying to be a good stepdad.
"Hello JJ," smiled Teyla as she moved over to the boy.
"Teyla! Oh…I bought you this!" he suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful gold locket.
"Show off," mumbled John as JJ wrapped it around Teyla's neck.
"Thank you, it is beautiful," she said as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Uncle Rodney!" JJ reached out to his uncle, smiling as Rodney took him in his arms.
"Little big for this," Rodney grumbled lovingly as he hugged his nephew, then set him on the floor. "Uncle Carson said he'd love to play a game of Chess with you while we're gone."
"Really?" grinned JJ.
"Sure thing, kiddo, and then I'll play you after dinner," Rodney promised.
"Kay, can I go Pop?"
"Go ahead JJ, just be careful and listen to Carson!" Shouted John as his son already disappeared out the hall. John then looked over to Elizabeth and nodded. " Elizabeth, we're ready to go."
"You have a go, John, be safe!"
He acknowledged and together the four friends disappeared into the event horizon. Elizabeth sighed, saying a short prayer to whom or whatever was listening to bring them home safely.
"I'm assuming that's AR-1?" Daniel questioned.
"Yes, this is only their second mission in the past month. Colonel Sheppard suffered…well I'm sure you saw the tape," she whispered, softly nodding to them.
"Yeah, we saw it…"
"It's been a tough month, but they made it, and they're stronger because of it…Well why don't we continue? There's a lot for you guys to see in the short amount of time you have here," Elizabeth forced a smile as she tried to act casual.
"I'm truly sorry, Colonel, I apologize that you came all this way for nothing. We cannot help you at this time," explained King Chiene as they walked through his high council chambers.
"We understand Sir, truly we do, but is there not some way we could assist you?" Teyla spoke up.
"No, Teyla, I am sorry…This is our war and we shall fight it ourselves. We got ourselves into this mess, we must get ourselves out."
"Well, if you need anything at all, just give us a call," John said sadly as he reached out and shook the man's hand.
"Thank you, Colonel Sheppard, but we should be fine."
"Medicine, anything, we'll be more than willing to help you," Ronan added.
"We know, and if we need it, than we will ask you…Until then, you have to trust us on this, this is our battle: we do not wish to involve your people. You have treated us well, it's our battle."
"Very well…we should head home. Your Highness, please take care of yourself," Sheppard said with a final handshake.
"We shall, and you yourself as well."
"Thanks…let's go guys."
"It's a little too…quiet," whispered Teyla as they started their trip back to the gate.
"I agree," Rodney replied.
"I feel it too…let's just keep moving…," stated John cautiously.
They didn't get a chance to say another word, before shots rang out through the air. "This can't be good! RUN!" yelled John as he saw two groups coming from either side of the gate towards them and each other.
Ronan was in the lead and easily began to make his way to some rocks nearby that they could use for cover, Teyla propelled herself and Rodney forward, and John took up the rear as he also tried to watch what was happening. He was fairly sure these people weren't shooting at them…but each other.
"RODNEY!" cried Teyla.
John looked around just in time to see Rodney try to dive around the rock, only to take a bullet right to his stomach. He hit the ground like a rock. "RODNEY!" John yelled as he ran and dragged his brother to safety.
The scientist's pain-filled blue eyes opened and he cried out in agony, his ragged pleas joining those of the others who were still fighting on the field. John looked at the bloody wound that was already starting to pool over before pressing his hand to the site in hopes of staunching the flow.
"Sheppard! We need to move! We're not safe here," Ronan spoke.
"I know…Go; find the closest thing we can use for shelter, a cave, a house, whatever! Then get back here. I'll need your help to carry Rodney…God, there's so much blood," whispered John as he looked down at the mess in front of him.
"Colonel, we must stop the bleeding," Teyla spoke swiftly, removing her pack and digging out the first aid kit.
"Rodney, buddy, I need you to focus," John soothed as he squeezed his brother's shoulder.
"Oh…god!" Rodney cried again, as he continued to writhe in pain, his hands grasping at his stomach where the gaping wound bled freely.
"We're going to try and stop the bleeding…" Teyla began.
"I'm gonna die!" Rodney whimpered, looking up at his brother as he continued to moan.
"Shh, Rodney, you're not going to die," John offered gently as he gripped one of Rodney's blood soaked hands.
Teyla looked from John to Rodney's already paling face as she pressed the dressing to Rodney's stomach, causing the scientist to cry out in further pain. "Shhh, I am sorry," she whispered gently as she squeezed his other hand.
"I…" he shook his head as he continued to moan.
"Hey, hey, focus here buddy, focus on me," John encouraged as he pressed his free hand to his brother's cheek.
"Sheppard!" Ronan came running over quickly, "There's a small cave no more than a few minutes from here…We can make it."
"Grab an arm…" began John.
"No, I'll carry him," Ronan offered.
Rodney looked up into the dark, normally animal like eyes, and saw sympathy there. "Hurts," he whispered.
"I know." Ronan slipped one hand under the scientist's knees, and another around his shoulders, pulling him close.
"Just do it," whimpered Rodney as he curled tighter to protect his side in Ronan's grip.
By the time they made it to the small cave, Rodney was blissfully unconscious in the warrior's arms. Ronan gently lay him down on the ground before looking to Teyla, "Continue keeping pressure on his wound…he has already lost a great deal of blood."
"Ronan, go watch what's going on. As soon as it's clear, we'll make a break for the gate," John stated.
"You wish to carry him?" Teyla asked suddenly unsure.
"We don't leave our people behind, Teyla," John growled through gritted teeth.
"And I understand that, Colonel. But certainly…you must understand he's lost a great deal of blood, if we carry him through the gate, he could die."
"I don't know if you've noticed, Teyla, but he's already dying…" John began before Ronan cut him off.
"She's right; he would only slow us down."
"I'm not leaving him!" John snapped impatiently.
"Then let us go back. We will get Carson, bring him here," Teyla suggested.
"No," John began shaking his head, "he's coming. I won't leave him here. Not like this. Either we go with him, or we don't go at all. That's an order," he said harshly. "We'll stabilize him the best we can. Ronan you go ahead let them know we're coming."
"What about him, how do you expect to carry him by yourself," the runner pointed out.
"Fine then, Teyla, you go let them know. We'll get Rodney ready."
"John," Teyla paused, "we can be back before dark, and it would be safer if we had a doctor to be here."
"Fine, go," John finally mumbled. "I'll stay here with him…but hurry," he whispered.
"We will. Be safe," she whispered, removing the remaining medical supplies from her pack, placing them within John's reach. The thin emergency blanket and two bottles of water, along with her limited first aid kit looked sparse compared to the brevity of the situation, but the pilot nodded in acceptance.
"Go!" he yelled one last time as they hesitated, before they both turned and disappeared out the cave entrance. John looked down at his brother lying limply in his arms.
"UNCSCHEDULED OFF WORLD ACTIVATION !" came the call from one of the technicians standing in the control room. Elizabeth looked up from where she had been chatting with Daniel and Sam.
"Who is it?" she asked as she hurried over to the man.
"It's Teyla…."
"Atlantis, this is Teyla, we are in need of medical assistance!" Teyla tried to remain calm as she yelled.
Seconds later both she and Ronan appeared. Elizabeth was stunned to see them both covered in blood. "What the hell happened? Where's John and Rodney?" she demanded in shock.
"It is a long story," Teyla began as she watched Ronan run out the doors, obviously headed towards the infirmary. "We went through the gate, spoke to the king. On our way back we were caught in a simple cross fire. Rodney was hit; John is standing watch over him."
"Oh my god—how bad?" Elizabeth asked as she paled two shades.
"Very bad," Teyla whispered.
"Come on Rod, stay with me," John whispered as he gently tapped his brother's rapidly chilling cheeks.
"I've decided what I wan' fer my birthda'," murmured Rodney
"What?" John asked, humoring his sibling.
"A nice simple mission," mumbled Rodney.
John smiled as he continued to grip the man's hand, "You have to hang in there buddy…we're not done yet, you and me. We've got so many more adventures ahead of us.
"I know," he whispered. As his breathing hitched again, Rodney could taste the metallic blood in the back of his mouth as he coughed it up. "Hurts," he whispered as he finally managed to slow his breathing down.
Silence filled the small cave as both men waited for rescue.
'rry," came Rodney's half conscious murmur.
"Why?" John bit his lip, he hugged Rodney closer, trying to keep him warm as he continued to put pressure on his wound.
"Never…took the time to 'et to know Ronan…" whispered Rodney.
"Don't worry about it, Rodney…"
"No….if I survive…"
"When," John corrected.
"When…" rephrased Rodney, smiling weakly. "When…I survive…maybe…'ll come to one of his sessions…" murmured the man as he gripped John's hand.
"Good, I'll hold you to that you knuckle head…Hang in there, Rodney."
"Cold," whispered Rodney looking around.
"I know. I've got you covered with blankets, it's the blood loss …"
"Don't really….wanna die," whimpered Rodney.
"Good, because none of us want you to die either," grinned John.
"Really?"
"Are you crazy? You may be a pain in the ass Rodney, but you've got a way about you…" John shrugged. "I love you Rod, I have for as long as you've been my brother. You were always a great kid…used to tell all the guys about you during missions."
"Love you too. Shit this hurts," he whispered as he tried to move.
"Don't, you'll start bleeding again…You've gotta hold on, okay Rod? we'll be home before you know it."
"Why?" whispered Rodney.
John was startled by the question, taking a minute to gain his bearings before he sighed, "Because I need you, we need you. That little baby back on Atlantis needs you, Elizabeth needs you. If you die—this will kill us…me."
Rodney met John's serious gaze; his eyes glossed over from pain and fear. Somewhere deep inside, John knew Rodney understood what he was saying and why he was saying it.
Carson stepped into the gate room and took a look at Teyla. "My god—is that all his?" he whispered.
"Yes."
"Right…Elizabeth?" Carson looked over at his friend and smiled weakly.
"I…" she didn't know what to say.
"Don't ye worry, lass. I'll have him home before ye know it, safe and sound."
"I'll hold you to that," she whispered. "Dial the gate!" she called.
" Elizabeth," Carson began again but felt his words slip away, there was nothing either could say to make the other one feel any better.
"Tell him…" she stopped.
"You can tell him yourself—but I'll mention it," Carson reached out and squeezed her hand. They all turned and watched the wormhole engage. Carson eyed her one more time before they all cautiously stepped through the wormhole.
Elizabeth turned around and faced Daniel and Sam. "I'm so sorry—ah—let's go see if Radek can show you the rest of Atlantis," she whispered.
"Are you all right?" Daniel asked as he watched Elizabeth try to gain her composure.
"No," she answered truthfully. She wouldn't be okay until she saw her Rodney walking through that gate announcing to everyone how terribly it hurt, because that would mean he was fine.
"Rodney, stay awake!" demanded John as he gently slapped the scientist's cheeks.
Rodney's blue eyes shot open as he gazed at John with sadness and respect, "Sorry," he whispered as his eyes slid closed again.
John felt panic beginning to rise when he heard and saw nothing, Rodney's chest was no longer moving, "Damn it!".
"John?" came Teyla's voice suddenly as she entered the small cave.
"He just stopped breathing…" John cried out as Carson dropped down next to his best friend, taking it all in. "Don't die on me now Rodney!" he whispered as he quickly found his brother's breast bone and began chest compressions, wary of the gunshot wound only inches lower.
"We won't be able to stabilize him! Teyla get the stretcher!" Carson took the stretcher from her, he hurriedly put a neck brace around Rodney's neck then they carefully rolled him onto the back board.
"Ronan, Teyla, go ahead of us, get the infirmary prepared, have them bring a stretcher down with a defibrillator!" demanded Carson.
The two nodded as they carefully headed out of the now clear war zone. "Doc?" John whispered quietly.
"I'm nay 'bout to give up on him now…not when he just beat me yesterday in a game of chess!" hissed Carson as he grabbed his equipment. "While I'm bagging him, I want you to squeeze this bag every five compressions, understand?"
"Yes," John said nodding. He watched as Carson inserted the breathing tube, and then connected the bag to it.
Carson quickly shoved his way past John and began to look at the wound. "He's lost a lot of blood…we're going to need a transfusion…" Carson whispered.
"I still don't have a heart beat—" John began.
"I know! Okay, on three, let's move him!"
"One…" began John.
"Two…"
"Three!" they said together as they hefted Rodney up and hurried out of the cave. John had one hand holding the backboard, and his other clutching the handle and his P90 incase some one popped up.
They hurried through the wormhole, arriving on the other side to find themselves surrounded by medical personnel. They quickly lowered Rodney onto the waiting gurney. "He's in v-fib!" called Carson as he grabbed the defibrillator. "Clear!" he called suddenly.
Everyone watched the limp body convulse, all waiting in a pregnant silence as Carson felt for a pulse. "Nothing! Clear!" he called again as he shocked Rodney a seconc time. "I've got a weak pulse, let's move him! Have the OR prepped!" Carson called.
John, Teyla, and Ronan stood in the middle of the gate room looking absolutely lost. John turned to find Elizabeth who looked just as lost as they did. Without a second thought he ran for the infirmary. Elizabeth sighed as she watched the other members of his team run after him. She turned to one of her men and smiled sadly, "Could…you find someone to clean this up please."
"Ma'am….you'll tell us about Dr. McKay…right?" the technician asked softly.
"Yes…I…" she sighed and hurried out of the room.
John burst into the infirmary, his eyes searching wildly for his brother. All he saw was the trail that Carson had no doubt left behind of gauze, pressure bandages, syringes and blood…a lot of blood.
"How…how long?" John whispered as he looked around at those who were left to either clean up or take care of the other patients, "How long!" he demanded this time in a louder voice.
"John," one of the nurses came over and gently escorted him from the infirmary.
"No…I…"
"John, there's nothing you can do for him. Carson rushed him into surgery. You did your job, now let Dr. Beckett do his," she said gently, pushing him into one of the many uncomfortable chairs in the hallway.
John watched her with empty hazel eyes as she disappeared behind the doors again. He felt the lump in his throat; he felt the sudden urge to throw up as he caught the look at his clothes, at his hands which were covered in blood.
"John?" Teyla asked softly.
"Get me a basin…something quick!" he whispered shakily as his entire body began to shake.
"I need help!" cried Teyla as she hurried into the infirmary.
"What's wrong?" one of the doctors asked.
"It's Colonel Sheppard, he's breathing very heavily…shaking…" she answered as she grabbed one of their trashcans and brought it back out.
She watched as John lost the meager contents of his stomach in the offered can. He was pale white in comparison to the blood that covered him from head to toe.
"He's in shock!" called one of the doctors. "Get me a gurney prepared!" he yelled through the doors. Helping the Colonel up, they ushered him back inside.
"He needs a shower, he's covered in…" a nurse spoke, however was stopped when the doctor held up his hand.
"Teyla," the doctor began.
"I will help him, I could use one as well," she said softly.
"Nurse, scrubs please, one for each."
"Yes Doctor," replied the nurse as she quickly left.
John's hazel eyes turned to the doctor, looking at the man sadly. "My brother…please…" whispered John.
"He's been in worse John. Try not to worry, Carson will fix him right up," replied the doctor calmly.
"How long?"
"You know how those things are John, it could take hours. Here, Teyla is going to get you a nice hot shower, I'll have Dr. Weir or maybe Ronan get you all something nice and hot to eat."
"Ronan…is going to need a shower, too…" whispered John.
"I'll make sure he gets one, you all should. Just follow Teyla." the doctor said as the nurse passed him the two bundles of clothing and towels.
John nodded slowly as Teyla steered him to the shower rooms off to the side. He looked at her, and murmured wearily, "my shirt's ruined".
"Yes it is, put your arms up," she whispered as she waited. She then lifted the shirt over his head and threw it in the corner, not caring who did what with it. She looked him over skeptically before kneeling down and quickly untied his boots, helping him step out of them, and then removed his socks. "I trust you can do the rest and start the shower?"
John nodded slowly; his world seemed so fogged as he looked at her, "Teyla I…"
"John, I know. I'm scared too. Just take your shower," she replied softly steering him behind the curtain.
She waited for the sound of the rest of his clothing to be shed and the water running before she fully stripped herself and started her own shower. She was halfway through allowing all her muscles to relax when she heard a third shower start and knew Ronan had joined them. She quickly finished her shower deciding not to relish in the steaming water, she toweled off with a towel the nurse had provided in their bundles of clothes, she then pulled her scrub top on over her head and then her pants. When she stepped out, John was already dressed and toweling his hair dry.
He looked up at her, thanks shining in his eyes as he reached out to her. Seconds later she found herself being held tight within his arms. She couldn't release, she'd done her releasing in the shower, where no one could see the tears that mixed with the hot water.
"Are you two all right?" Ronan asked a moment later when he stepped out in his pants. He was twisting his hair into a pony tail before he pulled his scrub top on.
"We will be. Are you okay?" John asked for the first time.
"Yeah…Colonel Carter went to get some food…Probably need to make an appearance before they think we've been swallowed alive or something," replied Ronan.
"Ronan…" John began, "he promised he'd come to one of your training sessions, said he was sorry he didn't get to know you better."
"I think we should make an agreement right here, when Rodney comes out of this, we're all going to spend some quality time on the mainland getting to know each other, as a team, and friends."
"That sounds like an excellent plan, John," Teyla said soflty as she slipped her fingers between his and they headed out of the shower room. If anyone questioned it, they were drawing strength from one another, but most just knew that John and Teyla were meant to be together and were being there for each other.
When they finally stepped out into the hallway, there were three dinner trays waiting for them. Elizabeth stood up and walked over to the trio. John stepped forward and grabbed her in a hug. "He's going to be okay," whispered John, unsure if he was trying to convince Elizabeth or himself.
"JJ wanted to see you or Teyla," she whispered softly.
"I shall go…" Teyla replied easily.
"No…he'll be okay a little longer, eat your supper. It's almost time for his bed time…then we'll go together," whispered John gently.
Teyla quietly took a seat beside him. "Very well."
"Very well," Teyla said taking a seat beside him.
Once she was seated beside him, Sheppard sighed and looked to the visitors who'd only arrived only hours earlier. "I'm sorry your first day here…has been spoiled".
"We care about Doctor McKay, too," whispered Sam as she looked at him.
"Yeah…he used to talk about you all the time," laughed John weakly as he took a sip of his coffee.
"I can imagine," muttered Daniel.
"He's changed," whispered John eyeing the two members of the SGC.
"Dad?" whispered JJ as he looked up from his book. He sat in his bedroom reading the latest Harry Potter book. John smiled softly as he took a seat down beside his son.
"Hey buddy."
"How's Uncle Rodney?"
"He's pretty sick, JJ…he's in surgery right now, because he was hurt…Uncle Carson says he'll be out sometime in the early hours of the morning. How about you get ready for bed now, okay."
"Can I see him?" asked JJ.
"Maybe tomorrow morning if he's feeling up to it, okay?"
"Dad…what if he dies?"
"JJ, you're Uncle Rodney is a very stubborn man. You know that… Son, he's not going to die, okay. I need you to stay positive here. I promise if something goes wrong, I'll wake you, but I'm sure everything will be just fine."
"Okay…"
"All right small one," Teyla said suddenly as she lifted him up and John quickly drew back the covers before she plopped him on the bed. She grinned as he quickly wiggled under the covers and looked up at her with something akin to adoration in his deep hazel pools.
"Teyla…do you love my dad?"
John instantly blushed as he tried not to laugh.
She smiled as she sat down beside him on the bed, gently pushing the hair away from his eyes. "You are very similar to your father, and you both need haircuts. As for me loving him…your father is my best friend," she replied smiling.
"Teyla…if you marry my dad….can I call you mom?"
Teyla smiled. "Of course, if you wish…But your father and I are not getting married anytime soon," she whispered.
"I know…but you're kinda like my mom already… You tuck me in and everythin'."
"I suppose I am. Now, sleep small one," she whispered as she leaned over and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
"Will you sing to me, Teyla?"
"Of course small one," she smiled softly, thinking for a moment, trying to decide what to sing.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here don't you cry
Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always.
She finished softly; brushing his bangs away from his face then turned the light off, "Good night, my child."
"Night son," John grinned as he pressed a kiss to JJ's forehead.
Carson sighed wearily, he was drenched in sweat, spots of blood splattered on him, and he was exhausted…but he knew he'd done well. Stripping off his gloves, he slowly made his way out into the hall and smiled. It was a picture perfect moment. Ronan sat beside Elizabeth, as she leaned fast asleep against his barbaric shoulder, sleeping peacefully.
Teyla sat between Ronan and John, fast asleep against the colonel's chest, as he held both arms around her. Carson was fairly sure one of her arms was fast asleep behind his back. Sam and Daniel sat across from them, sleeping soundly as well.
"Colonel…John," whispered Carson as he gently nudged his friend.
Two hazel orbs slowly awakened and stared up at him, "Carson?"
"Aye, lad," the physician smiled gently.
Slowly the others began to wake, realizing Carson was out to hopefully update them. " Carson, how is he?" Elizabeth asked.
"He survived. We've got him heavily sedated for now, and we'll bring him out of it sometime tomorrow morning or afternoon. He'll heal very nicely, but there was a lot of damage, internal bleeding. It took a lot to control, but we did manage to get all the bleeders. He had an MRI and he doesn't seem to have any brain damage. As far as we know, his heart didn't stop for more than four minutes, so we were close but I don't think it caused any damage. He's going to be remarkably weak for awhile, and he's going to be achy for a very long time. But given time and rest, he'll be back to our McKay in a few weeks time."
"Amazing how we have one mission, then we're off again for a month. We've had more vacation time this year," smiled John.
Carson grinned, "Aye." He knew the only reason John could joke was because his brother was alive. "I think it would be best to hold off until tomorrow to visit for all of ye, however you two, can come in for five minutes," Carson said pointing to Elizabeth and John.
They smiled softly at their friends as they followed Carson back into the infirmary. "So he's really going to be okay?"
"Aye, he lost a lot of blood. It's a good thing we had the blood drive recently, he just about sucked up most of my supply of his blood type."
Elizabeth looked at the man hooked up to all the machines and wires, "He looks so…"
"Weak, aye, he is, but he's got an amazing resolve. I was surprised he survived the surgery, but he came through with flying colors and should recover with no trouble. He's going to be sleeping a lot, but you're all welcome to stay with him after tomorrow. Not tonight though, ye all need your rest. I'll stay with him tonight."
"It was close this time," whispered John as he reached out and squeezed his brother's hand.
"Aye, a little too close. Could we stop cutting these corners? One of these days we're all going to run out of our nine lives," joked Carson.
"You'll wake us if there are any changes?" John asked as he backed towards the doorway.
"Of course."
Elizabeth smiled at the baby curled up by her side. Lauryn had settled for nothing less than her mommy, and was now fast asleep. Elizabeth sighed stroking the girl's beautiful soft hair. "You're growing so fast, what must go through your daddy's mind?" she said softly. "He loves you fiercely Lauryn, don't you ever doubt that. We almost lost him today…and I know that if anything ever happened to either one of us, we'll help you to carry on and cope." She smiled as she looked at the tiny fingers. "Innocence is bliss," she whispered as she pressed a kiss to the baby's head as she too slipped into a dreamless sleep.
" Carson!" growled Rodney McKay as he glared at his brother.
"He said you needed to eat!" bit John.
"I don't think he meant that hideous…dessert. And you are not exactly who I had in mind for hand feeding me, so back off!" growled Rodney as he shoved his brother's hand away from his face.
"Rodney stop being spoiled," muttered Carson.
Three weeks had gone by and Rodney was doing remarkably well, to the point that he was driving everyone to the brink of their sanity. Carson intended to release his patient shortly if things continued like this, but he hadn't told the good doctor that just yet.
"Spoiled? He's trying to feed me green jell-o!" hissed Rodney as he rubbed his stomach.
"From the sound of it, you're being tortured," came Elizabeth's voice as she walked into the room and smiled. "Oh, Carson, you're not really letting John do this are you?" chuckled Elizabeth as she dropped a kiss to Rodney's cheek. It had become her custom over his three week stay. Every morning she'd come in, drop a kiss to his cheek and then continue to tell him about what was happening on Atlantis.
"Aye, I am."
"Well…stop, that stuff is terrible," she said taking it from it from John.
"I should go, I'll catch up with ya later Rod," John smiled as he squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder and headed out of the infirmary.
He settled smugly against his pillow as she took up the now empty chair at his bedside. "How are Sam and Daniel?"
"They're having a great time, although I think Sam wishes you were there instead of Zelenka."
"Don't we all," chuckled Rodney.
"Oh, so here's good news, your daughter…is standing all on her own…and I think she'll be walking soon. You know what that means," she grinned.
"We have to child proof Atlantis," mumbled Rodney.
"To say the least. Don't worry, it'll be…fun." Elizabeth tried to find a better word than that, but they" all left her at the moment.
"So, when is Bones springing me?" Rodney asked.
"Well, I was going to do it now that your girl is here, but after that statement," mumbled Carson who still stood nearby writing on a chart.
"Please?" Rodney begged.
"Oh stop it, no one wants to see you beg. It's unnatural. Did ye bring him some clothes lass?"
"I did," Elizabeth said, revealing the bag.
"You little trickster," grasped Rodney.
"Yeah, well, you know," she giggled as Carson undid Rodney's IV and removed the needle. He continued to remove the pulse ox, and a few other wires before smiling to Rodney, "You're free lad, I'll see you later this evening. Lots of rest and no overdoing it."
"Sure thing Bones," Rodney replied, waving his hand.
Elizabeth was gentle in helping him get dressed and ready to leave, he was moving slowly, but at least he was moving. He'd been ordered no lifting for awhile as well, which meant Lauryn could only be handed to him.
"We've gotta stop this," mumbled Rodney as they made their way out of the infirmary.
"Yeah, we do," she replied casually as she enjoyed the closeness to him.
The last two weeks of their trip to Atlantis went by far too quickly for Daniel and Sam. Sam stood out on the balcony, taking in the sight one last time before she had to leave, "I thought you might like a visitor," came a voice from the door.
Sam turned and grinned, Lauryn walked to Sam, slightly unsteady but moving well. Sam chuckled as she lifted the baby into her arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Hard to believe she's yours McKay," she said as she settled the girl on her hip.
"Well she is," Rodney replied as he reached out and took his daughter back into his arms. "Sam…" he paused, "I just want you to know how grateful I am that you were able to come and see my world."
"I barely even know you anymore. I never really knew you in the first place, but what I saw here…I never expected you to be so…"
"Normal?" Rodney smiled as he leaned over the balcony, his daughter still tight in his arms.
"Yeah," laughed Sam.
"This fits me Sam, I'm happy here," he smiled.
"Is that your subtle way of saying you're over me?"
"Not so subtle, huh?"
"Could use a little work, but not terrible. I'm glad you found your niche Rodney, you deserve to be happy."
"I am."
"Can I make one suggestion?"
"Yeah," Rodney replied.
"I spent nine years in love with the same man…and let a rank divide us. Don't let that divide you. If you love her, then let her know. Tell her, don't hesitate, because as you've both learned, you never know when someone could die." Sam reached out and pressed a kiss to Rodney's cheek, "I should go."
"Sam…"
"Yeah?"
"A part of me will always care for you," he whispered.
"Me too," she smiled. "Goodbye Rodney."
"Bye Sam."
Rodney joined John, Teyla, Elizabeth, Ronan, and Carson in the control room as they watched Sam and Daniel wave a goodbye and step through the gate.
"So…movie?" John asked clapping his hands.