Hello, Stargate Lovers!

Today I bring you a special chapter.

Since episodes 18 and 19 of season 4 ("The Kindred Part 1" and "The Kindred Part 2) are two parts of the same story, I decided to join them in the same chapter. So, since you know what this is all about, there will be original moments and actual episodes moments with my OC, with some time jumps, so it doesn't get too boring.

Hope you enjoy it!

And a special thank you to Adela for your support to this story!

Chapter 31: Chapter 4x18

"Hey! Wait up!"

As she kept walking, Alexandra closed her eyes for a brief second when she heard John's voice. In total it had been three days she had been avoiding him. Between meetings and debriefs with other teams that needed her knowledge, she had closed in on herself and dove into work, even though she wasn't cleared to field duty.

However, she also knew that her luck wouldn't last long. After all, John Sheppard was the senior military officer on Atlantis that everyone needed to respond to, in one way or the other.

"How long are you going to avoid me?" The pilot asked as he walked beside her, hands in his pockets, nonchalantly.

"I think I have a pretty good reason to." If he was going to be straight forward, so would she.

"And what reason is that?" John didn't know if it was good to push her buttons, but he did it anyway. "My memory is still a bit woozy from the other day..."

"Is there something I can help you with, Col. Sheppard?"

The pilot frowned. He would think she would chastised him, become impatient with his antics, or something that would make him see that she had felt something regarding the other night. He was tired of trying to find her in the past three days and realize she was in meetings with Samantha, instructing other teams, or even in briefings with signataries from other planets... even his C.O. seemed to be on Alexandra side as she kept denying her presence in meetings where he was present... Did Samantha Carter knew what happened? No... she couldn't. Could she?

So, he decided on the direct approach.

"Have dinner with me, so we can talk."

"There's nothing to talk about. And I'm busy. Have a good day, Colonel." Alexandra walked ahead, leaving him to stare after her, dumfounded.

"Is this how you are going to deal with what happened?"

The scientist stopped and looked around to make sure they were alone, before turning and stepping closer to him.

"I will deal with it in a way I see fit. And right now is avoiding you. And, John, I'm giving you the chance to forget about it."

"Why?" John narrowed his eyes, his temper flaring for a second. "What are you afraid of, Alex? You kissed me back, remember?"

"A momentary lapse of judgement." There was a soft pinkish tone on her cheeks now.

"Those are big words from someone who's been avoiding me."

"Listen, John..." She sighed, not sure of what else she could say. "It was a moment. Nothing more."

"Nothing more?" For a moment his eyes bore into her dark eyes. "You know how long I've been wanting..."

"You were still dealing with whatever Kal had left behind inside your mind." Alexandra continued, interrupting him, even though she wanted him to finish that sentence. But she couldn't. "Have you thought about that?" The look he gave, told her he hadn't. "Ancients mess up your mind, John. Trust me. I know."

Of course he knew she spoke by experience. However, he wanted her to know how he felt, even though he wasn't very good at actually saying it.

"I wouldn't kiss you just because, Alex. I kissed you because I wanted to." His hazel eyes fell to her lips. "Just. Like. Now." His hands hitched to touch her.

Alexandra took a deep breath upon seeing his heated look.

"Are you truly sure about that?" She managed to say. "Do you feel it was your choice? Or do you feel it was something more that propelled you to do it? I know you're impulsive, John, but I know you wouldn't ruin a friendship just because of an impulse."

"You know me better by now, Alex, what do you think?" He was becoming upset. He just needed a moment with her. Alone. Not in the middle of the Atlantis corridors.

"That's why I'm telling you that I know how Ancients work. I am a living example of it. So, I'm asking you..." She took a step closer and looked up at him. Being this close after that kiss, his presence was starting to affect her. "Leave it alone, John. Please. Whatever you are feeling will disappear soon enough."

Hazel and brown locked for a second that seemed to stretch for longer than that.

With a nod, John looked away without another word and, by the corner of his eyes, he saw her walk away.

What if she was right? What if the attraction he had felt before had been heightened by Kal now?

But... what if she was wrong? What if what he felt was just more than attraction and the events of the other day just made him realize that?

"I'm worried about Teyla." Alexandra started as she followed John to the armory after the conference room debrief about the Hoffan drug.

"Not avoiding me anymore, doc?" It was his response as he got ready to leave.

She could see he was focused on the mission, so she tried not to read too much into his clipped tone as he moved around the room.

"I think the loss of her people is finally affecting her if she's having visions with Kanaan."

"We haven´t lost hope on finding them alive." The pilot frowned, knowing they were trying harder than ever now that Teyla's due date was close. "But we have to be realistic."

"I know. I've been studying Wraith History with her, alongside this galaxy's History to understand how her abilities work."

"Then why are you doubting her?"

"I'm not." Alexandra sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "But, whatever she's... sensing to make her have visions, can affect the baby too and I thought I could help..."

"How?" John stopped and turned to her as he zipped his vest.

The scientist was already looking at him.

"I could sense Kanaan. Get a feel of him throughout the galaxy." Alexandra stood up straight, crossing her arms. "With her help I could do it."

"No." The SGA-1 leader immediately said.

"What do you mean no? My powers are stronger…"

"No. I won't have you jeopardize Atlantis. You're a walking nuke." And he immediately regretted those words as he saw her narrow her eyes.

"Now you're afraid of my powers?"

"It's not a matter of being afraid or not. You're not cleared for duty and I'm sure Carter will say the same, if you're thinking going to her next. Which I find curious you didn't go to her first."

"I wanted your opinion, since Teyla belongs to your team and you know her better."

The pilot stayed silent, just staring at her, not understanding the almost contrite tone she was using. He also noticed the distance she placed between the two even if she was just an arm length away.

"It can't be just that, Alex. Why did you come to me first, really?" He stepped completely in front of her, his hazel eyes trying to find the answer in hers.

"She's special. She can sense Wraith. Maybe this is another level of her abilities, which I'm familiar with, in a way. And maybe she just needs a little push to lock her senses on Kanaan." The scientist continued, now looking up at him. "And I didn't want to jeopardize her safety without you knowing."

John narrowed his eyes, his temper flaring.

"What about you?" He saw her lean her head to the side in question. "Wouldn't you be jeopardizing yourself while doing that?"

"This is not about me."

"Of course it is about you. You are telling me that you are placing Teyla in danger by pushing her abilities, but you are not thinking in your own safety. Do you think I like seeing you on a gurney, uncouscious for days?"

"John, this..." Now, she understood.

"No. I'm telling you no to your request of using your powers on Teyla, and no to using your powers, period. Keller haven't cleared you and I'll make sure Carter knows about this too." He said in a definitive and commanding tone.

The moment he said it, he knew something changed in her as her back went straight and her eyes were no longer on him. John hated speaking like that to her, even if she didn't took orders from him, technically.

"Have it your way, then, Colonel."

John sighed.

"Wait..." But she was faster and disappeared from his sight before he could say another word.

"After all of this, you should talk with Col. Sheppard."

Teyla's voice took her out of her own thoughts as they stood in front of the gate as it engaged.

"There's nothing to talk about, Teyla."

The athosian smiled, even if there was concerned in her eyes.

"I know something happened between you two. Whatever he done or said, he means well. Even if he's preventing you to do what you must."

Alexandra sighed. Of course, Teyla knew about her idea of combining their powers and that the colonel had shut it down.

"I wish I could go with you. Apparently, Jennifer thinks I'm not fully recovered yet."

"Well, she's not wrong. You need to take things slow. Especially after that fight."

Alexandra offered her a tired smile.

"Just be careful, Teyla. Okay? It's not just you at risk. You have to think about my godson too." She joked, making the athosian smile.

"I know, Alexandra. Do not worry. We'll be safe with Major Lorne."

The scientist gave her friend and Evan a nod as they exited Atlantis.

It was the last time, Alexandra heard about Teyla.

As she heard the team talk about Todd and his request, her guilty of not actually pushing it and go with her friend to find her people, was gnawing at her.

"Alex?" Samantha called out to her and John, Ronon and Rodney was staring at her as she came out of her own mind.

"Perhaps an old enemy of the athosians? I know they are peaceful people, but even peaceful people have enemies." She continued.

"Their original home was destroyed by the Wraith when we arrived here." John completed.

"Perhaps jealousy, because they gained our trust and favor?"

"That's a good idea, actually. Why don't you go back to the Croya settlement in M2S-181 with Major Stephens and ask some questions. As far as Major Lorne says, the village was often visited by the athosians." Samantha continued.

"She's not cleared yet." The pilot grumbled, leaning against the table and giving his C.O a look.

"She is now." The Atlantis commanding officer turned to her colonel which made him stop and interrupt his next words.

Alexandra nodded and left the conference room as Samantha dismissed them.

Todd came through with his leads that took the team to find a very special facility and a very special prisoner.

Chapter 4x19

"So, are we sure that's Carson?"

"Yep. A clone created by Michael." Samantha explained to a still geared up Alexandra. "Any leads?"

"No. Me and Stephens went to a couple more planets that the athosians used to visit and nothing. There's no leads on Teyla and no clues regarding Michael and his facilities." There was a frustrated tone to the scientist voice.

The Atlantis commander looked up from her tablet.

"You have that look, Alex."

"It's the same thing with Elizabeth, Sam. But I didn't have my powers then..."

"You still don't."

"Sam... I could try to lock in her essence."

"Alex..." Samantha sighed, understanding the reason Alexandra was doing it and stood up. "You shouldn't exert yourself. Not after what happened with Kal. It's only been a few days."

"I know, Sam. But it's Teyla. She's important."

Nodding, Samantha's eyes caught John Sheppard's walking into her office.

"Any news, Colonel?" Immediately, she saw how Alexandra tensed, not only upon her words, but also at him stopping by her side.

"No. Rodney's talking with Beckett to figure out what he knows." John placed his hands in his pockets. His eyes traveled from Samantha to Alexandra for a moment. "Any news on your end, doc?"

"Nothing. No clues. No whispers." Alexandra said not looking at him, which made him frown. "I have to go, Sam. If you need anything, you know where to find me."

"I will." The C.O. saw her younger friend go, not sparing a look towards John. "Wait, John." She said when the Colonel got ready to follow Alexandra.

The pilot turned to his commanding officer.

"I've been tolerant up until now, but with Teyla's life on the line, I want to know, is there something wrong between you two?"

"No."

Going around her work table, the Atlantis leader stepped closer to her senior officer.

"Are you sure? The last time I saw her give the cold shoulder to someone was… Well, it was Gen. O'Neill and that didn't go so well." She smirked. "For him. And given what happened a few months ago, I would think you have learned your lesson."

The pilot considered Samantha's words.

"It's just a misunderstanding."

"Are you sure? I would hate to put two of my senior staff in a room so they could work things out."

"It won't come to that."

"Better not." Samantha dismissed him and saw him leave her office. She didn't like that one bit, especially if Alexandra's powers were back and growing. And John looked like a confused puppy looking at her.

"Alexandra, so glad to see you."

"Carson. How are you feeling?" The scientist sat next to him in the infirmary as he woke up.

"Could feel a bit better. How are you finding Atlantis?"

The scientist smiled at him. She was always fond of the doctor back when they were on Antartica. Always felt like she could trust him from the moment she met him in the hospital.

"Unpredictable, to say the least."

"And you're loving it." Carson offered a smile.

"I am."

The two doctors kept talking, about anything and nothing, their lives since they have last seen each other, about Michael and her study on Ancient traditions.

It always been easy talking with him and Alexandra felt at ease for the first time since Kal.

John found her in a balcony near her quarters.

The conversation he had with Samantha came to his mind. The idea of him and Alexandra in a room together to work things out, was actually a good one.

For many reasons, he thought as he placed himself next to her, looking towards the horizon.

"What do you want, Sheppard?"

"Talk."

"I don't want to talk with you." Alexandra kept her eyes forward, still feeling like she had failed Teyla by not saving her from Michael.

"C'mon, Alex…"

She kept looking at the two moons.

"Evan is feeling pretty bad and you keep... berating him."

"He should be."

Finally, Alexandra turned to him.

"C'mon, John. You know Teyla would have done the same thing if you had been the one to accompany her the second time." She saw the conceited smile it appeared on his lips. "Oh, right. I forgot. You're Superman and you wouldn't let the big bad Wraith take her." There was an annoyed tone in her words.

"You know, that's low coming from you." John turned to a confused Alexandra. "You should have gone with her. With Lorne. If she had your powers at hand..."

"Now is my fault? Now you want to use my powers? Have you forgotten what I asked of you? I could have helped Teyla before she went to that village and you immediately shut it down. You didn't even wait to understand what I could do for her. With her."

"Why would I? Look at what happened with Kal. With me!" The pilot took a step closer, noticing she didn't budge.

"Don't make this about us, Sheppard. That was a mere transfer of energy. Not a full blown attack like you just implied. But you know what? I could have done it. I could have prevented the dart from taking her and in the process, there was a possibility of blowing up that entire area, maybe even cause Teyla's death. But, by all means, Colonel, use my powers at your liking. You're not the first one." She was angry. Angrier than when Larrin wanted for her to use her powers to bring down the Asurans.

"Wait!" John grabbed her arm as she was leaving. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that or stop you from helping Teyla. I'm sorry, Alex. Really." He sighed, tiredly.

The scientist narrowed her eyes. The touch, that feeling of want that now followed her around since that kiss, had risen and all she wanted was to wrap her arms around him and feel his own around her body.

And, maybe, they would have done it. Find some kind of solace. But that was before. But not now. Not after that kiss. Not when she had her walls up to protect him.

"Please, let's stop arguing." His hazel eyes found hers as he pleaded in a soft and low tone.

"Fine." Gently, Alexandra took her arm from his. And took a deep breath, turning back to the moonlit horizon. "I know it's hard to trust my powers and I know you're frustrated, but..." She said, turning back to him, after a moment of examining the last few days in her mind.

"In more ways than one." He let out, his eyes fixed on hers.

"John…" Alexandra warned him. She saw him place his hands in his pockets. "We'll find Teyla. I promise."

"Like we found Elizabeth?" His tone was low and sad.

"You know that's not your fault. It was her decision. This time it will be different."

John nodded, keeping quiet and turning back to the dark horizon. Their squabble forgotten for the time being as he didn't know what more to say that wouldn't lead him to do something crazy and find a way to breach her defenses and continue what they started the other night.

His presence so near was seeping through her skin and her will was starting to crumble as the thought of staying near him all night was beginning to take control.

"Have a good night, John." Alexandra turned away from the horizon, before she would start something she wouldn't be able to endure once it finished.

"So you know..." He said as she was about to leave the balcony. "I'm more of a Batman fan."

Turning to him, the scientist saw him looking back at her.

"Me too." She offered him a smile before leaving.

Ps: Thoughts?