Happy New Year

by The Huntress

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ash/huntress/happynew.php
Summary: A New Years celebration turns into an interesting evening

It was New Years on Earth and Elizabeth Weir declared that they have a celebration. She discussed it with John Sheppard and Carson Beckett, and the three agreed that a bit of 'normalcy' might be good for morale, which had been dipping a bit lately.

John suggested they have their party on the mainland, maybe invite the Athosians...sort of an 'official' get-to-know-each-other party.

Carson snickered, telling John that all he wanted was to get his hands on some more Athosian whiskey, which John didn't deny.

Much as every bone in Weir's body was telling her it was a bad idea, that they should hold a small party on Atlantis, she acquiesced. Before she could lay down any 'ground rules,' John was out the door, screaming for Ford and something about fruit pies.

By that evening the party plans were finalized, causing Elizabeth to suspect that they had been made some time ago. When she questioned John about it, he ducked his head, flushed pink, and quickly changed the subject.

A full staff had to be left on Atlantis, and so, to pacify all those who had to stay, John promised them their own party the following month. Of course, as ranking military commander, he would have to attend them both.

And so it was that a celebration took place on the mainland. Everybody was mingling, laughing, joking...all except for John and Aiden, who sat down quietly, away from the party.

Aiden had a jar of Holling's latest swill, John had a joint of Athosian weed and the two men sat down to get shitfaced and to observe the goings-on.

~~~

"I don't dance." Rodney smiled sadly at Kate.

"Oh, come on Rodney. One dance and I leave you alone, I promise."

"I'm sorry Kate, but I don't dance."

"Okay." She sighed, turning to look for another partner, disappointed that Rodney turned her down.

She wasn't the first woman disappointed either.

Lieutenant Michelle Rogers had managed to maneuver herself into Rodney's lap. Giving him a long and wet kiss, she ground her body against his, then pulled back and smiled at him.

Rodney didn't even attempt to hide his blush. In the twelve months he'd been in the Pegasus galaxy, he'd been propositioned by thirty-seven women and eleven men, (yes, he kept count) both military and civilian, human and Athosian, and a couple of other races as well. They came in all sizes and shapes, from petite and stocky and plain, to tall and busty and centerfold model; the Lieutenant fit into the latter category.

But Rodney turned them all down. He had wanted one person since the beginning, but very few noticed where his eyes wandered...and to whom.

Rogers nibbled his ear, whispering seductively, "I'd be very happy to ride your dick until you can't walk."

"I know and I've been meaning to ask why."

"Besides the fact that you're a cutie? It's your mind. It's sexy. I guess back on Earth I never thought about men with brains before. But here, it's different."

"Keep up the ego stroking, Mich," Rodney smiled, "it feels good. But I can't. I've told you that a few times."

"Rodney, are you sure you don't want me?" She kissed him again. "I could blow you if you want. A mouth is a mouth."

"No, but...thanks for the offer."

She climbed off his lap. "Rodney, whoever it is that you love, I hope they appreciate you."

"I think they do," he said with a soft smile, pouring himself another glass of the hooch that was currently making his head swim a bit and for a change he went with the feeling. As he milled about, he found himself declining a few more offers of dancing...among other things.

In some ways, McKay was an innocent, strange but true. He had absolutely no idea that women could be so...creative.

Captain Hunter gave Rodney a few suggestions about Jell-O; he would never think of it as just a dessert ever again.

Doctor Fell bestowed a clear leer on Rodney, licking her upper lip and telling him she'd hidden a chocolate bar on her body and if he could find it, he could have it. And whatever else he found along the way was his also.

And then there was Marya, the young and 'Daisy-Mae' like Athosian, who wanted to show Rodney her hut - and told him point blank what she wanted to do with him in that hut. It reminded Rodney of circus acrobatics.

~~~

Sheppard and Ford stared in amazement as half the women on Atlantis, both soldiers and scientists, came on to Rodney during the party. And after the Athosian versions of ale and whiskey started to flow, more than a few Athosian women joined them...and a few men from both sides as well.

John sat against a tree, joint in one hand, inhaling sharply, downing his second cup of hooch, shaking his head at Rodney, who, in true 'geek fashion', was seemingly oblivious to the feminine attention he was getting.

"I can't believe he turned down Marya." John motioned to the woman currently nuzzling Rodney's neck as he shook his head.

"You know her name?" Ford asked from beside him, taking a hit and drinking. The younger man was slurring his words slightly, going drink for drink and toke for toke with John.

"I know all their names." John sighed, reaching for the jar to refill their cups.

"All of 'em?" Ford smirked.

"Hey, I awakened the fucking Wraith." John kicked back his third shot. "They are here because of me. I figured the least I can do is learn all their names."

"Cool," Ford said with a stupid smile. "I heard Mich Rogers saying it was the brains that turned her on."

"Huh?" John was totally lost. "What brains?"

"Rodney's," Ford told him matter-of-factly, holding out his cup, which John refilled.

John just took a swig from the jar and killed off the joint. "Okay, Aiden, I know we're both fucked up at the moment, but please speak English. I'm hearing something about Rodney's brains."

"The women want him for his brains." Ford rolled his eyes as if John should have already known. "Michie says real brains are the sexiest thing." He grabbed the bottle from John and took a deep drink.

John snatched it back. "Oh no, young man, you have had enough. Trust me on that."

"Hello Major Sheppard, Lieutenant Ford." Teyla smiled at them, her eyes glassy. She fell to her knees before Ford and he thought she was passing out, but as soon as he caught her in his arms she pulled his mouth to hers and kissed him.

John did a double-take and nearly got up to move, but he had a question or two for Ford. He didn't think and pulled the two apart, jumping back a bit when Teyla snarled at him. "Did mating season begin and I missed it?"

"She's hot for my bod, sir." Aiden smiled shyly at Teyla.

"I can tell." John grinned.

"Sir," Aiden said, and then he paused and frowned, "I'm a virgin."

"What is a virgin?" Teyla asked.

"He's never been with a woman before," John answered.

"JOHN!" Aiden looked absolutely horrified.

"That is good." Teyla smiled at Ford. "I have never been with a man before."

"Aiden, about Rodney's brains...." John paused and looked at Teyla. "How do you feel about Rodney's brain? I mean, how smart he is and all that intellectual stuff."

"I find it...somewhat arousing," Teyla said honestly, noticing Ford's blush. "But Rodney McKay is not Aiden Ford." She kissed Ford again, sitting in his lap, arms around his neck. "When we awaken tomorrow morning, Aiden, perhaps we will no longer be...virgins?"

Ford glanced at John, who smirked. "Do whatever comes naturally," John told them. Getting to his feet, he stumbled back towards the party itself. His eyes zeroed in on Rodney again, who was shaking his head at Sergeant Adam Parks, who walked away from Rodney with a downcast look.

John's attentions were quickly stolen by a hand on his ass and he whirled to face Doctor Lisa Barrow leering at him. "No thanks," he said quickly, breathing a sigh of relief when she went after Carson. His relief was short-lived as the Athosian version of the Olsen twins succeeded in dragging him behind a hut, his saving grace being his informing them that it was against his religion to kiss young blonde women. He spotted Bates sneaking away with Kavanagh, raising an eyebrow at that, wondering what the tough marine could possibly see in the two-faced scientist. Elizabeth was dragging poor Peter towards a hut and John was tempted to watch them; it was probably the closest he was going to get to being laid himself. But his eyes wandered again to Rodney, who was currently backing away from the Amazon of an Athosian woman who was eyeing him like her last meal. John found Rodney's terrified expression amusing until Rodney's eyes met his, pleading for help.

"Doctor McKay," John said with a snicker. "Is something the matter?"

"I, uh...," Rodney winced. "I have to...go...but she won't let me."

"Go where?" John asked, debating whether he should start laughing out loud or not.

"I have to go," Rodney reiterated.

"Oh." John nodded, smiling at Marya. "Rodney has to pee." He couldn't contain it anymore, the laughter came full blast.

Rodney was mortified. "I hate you, Sheppard!" He shoved past him, causing John to stumble and fall on his ass.

"McKay!" John shouted, still laughing as Marya helped him to his feet. "Don't worry. He'll be all right."

"I find him...intriguing." She smiled, chewing on her lower lip. "Does he have a mate?"

"A mate?" John snorted, then saw she was serious. For the rest of his life John Sheppard would never know what possessed him to answer the way he did. He would blame it on the grass, the booze, the heat of the moment.... "Yeah, as a matter of fact, he does. And please let everyone else know. Rodney McKay is...unavailable." He turned to follow Rodney, glad he didn't have to elaborate.

~~~

Rodney relieved himself and headed back to the party, but a few minutes later he stopped as his head began to swim again. He leaned against a tree, then slid to his knees and, for some strange reason, thought of his cat. He could have brought Daria to Atlantis; Carson brought his stupid mice. Hell, he'd taken her to Russia and Antarctica. But to the Pegasus galaxy? No, that he couldn't do. Instead he'd left her, his best friend of eight years, with a bimbo who had called him a pig. Daria might very well be dead now.

Rodney began to cry. He couldn't help it.

"Rodney? What happened?" John asked, sounding genuinely concerned as he knelt beside Rodney. He took in the crumpled figure reeking of alcohol, wondering why he hadn't noticed how prevalent it was a few minutes before. "Jesus, how much did you drink?"

"I don't know." Rodney sobbed, burying his face in John's chest.

John should have been disgusted that Rodney was now wetting John's shirt with his tears, but he wasn't. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Rodney and rocked him back and forth, letting Rodney cry it out. "Shh, stop crying, I've got you."

"I don't feel so good." Rodney hiccupped.

"That's what happens when you drink too much."

"No, I really don't feel so good...." Rodney looked up at John, made the most Godawful face and John let him go, moving out of the way as Rodney threw up. "I want Daria...." Rodney managed to get out before he threw up some more.

'Daria?' John wondered. 'Who's Daria?' He was brought out of his thoughts as Rodney began to dry retch. "Rodney? You okay?"

"No," came a squeaky voice, followed by a sniffle.

Even inebriated, John got his bearings and helped Rodney to his feet. "Jumper one is that way. We'll get you some water and clean you up a bit." Rodney just nodded and allowed John to guide him to the jumper. Once inside, John willed it cloaked; nobody needed to know their business. He was once again glad he had been a boy scout as being prepared had never had such a true meaning before. He had insisted they always have spare clothing on hand when they went on a mission, so there was a clean shirt for Rodney to change into. John sat Rodney down, pulling off his dirty shirt and tossing it aside. He studied Rodney's chest for a moment, wanting to touch...another sniffle from Rodney grounded him. 'You need to take care of him, not take advantage!' John silently chastised himself. Aloud he said, "Let me get you some water." John found the bottles he had stored along with a cloth, wetting it down, and he handed the bottle to Rodney. "Drink." He then went about the task of washing Rodney's neck and chest, drawing on all his willpower to not turn this into a carnal moment. Once Rodney was cleaned, John smiled and handed him the fresh shirt. "Better?"

Taking a deep breath, Rodney seemed to get his bearings. "Can we go home now?"

The phrasing caught John off guard. "Home?"

Rodney nodded and managed to drag himself into the pilot's seat. "Home." The vehicle came to life. "I've been paying attention."

"Rodney," John said calmly, pulling him to his feet, "you just sit in Ford's seat while I fly us...home."

"But I wanna fly." Rodney frowned, slurring his words a bit. "You said I could fly the puddlejumper."

"Look babe, just sit there and leave the flying to me." John's eyes quickly widened at the endearment he'd used.

Tilting his head, Rodney turned to him. "Did you just call me babe?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind. I definitely had too much to drink. And why aren't we flying?"

John just sighed and radioed Markham that he was taking Rodney back to Atlantis and that Markham was on flight duty for the rest of the night. He turned to check on Rodney, but the man had already passed out. John leaned back in the seat and thought about going home, thought about Atlantis, picturing the great city in his head. The puddlejumper ascended and John got the cockiest grin on his face.

"God, sometimes I love having this gene."

Twenty minutes later, he was assisting a very drunk physicist to his quarters. Dragging Rodney to his bed, John pulled back the covers. No sooner had he gotten Rodney into bed than Rodney gripped John's body like a vise, refusing to let go. John had no recourse but to lie down with him and within two minutes both men were passed out cold.

~~~

John cracked his eyes open, wondering how long he'd been sleeping. Then he caught sight of the sleeping man next to him. "Rodney...Rodney, wake up."

Rodney opened one eye, then two, squinting a bit. "My head hurts."

John got out of the small bed and went to open the balcony doors, letting in the fresh night air. "Trust me. You'll feel much better with a cool breeze."

"I'll feel better? What about you?"

"I'm fine. A bit of a headache, but nothing serious." Forcing Rodney into the washroom, he smirked as he turned on the water with a thought, seeing the standard glare from Rodney when he showed off his use of the gene. "Even Beckett can't do that." He tossed a cloth to Rodney. "Get cleaned up and brush your teeth."

"Yes, mom," Rodney sneered.

John watched him, shaking his head. "McKay, I really think you need a sit down with Heightmeyer."

Rodney began to wash his face. "Why is that?"

"Because, Romeo," John said with a sigh, "you turned down half the population of this planet tonight. Hell, Rogers was in your lap for God's sake! Do you know how many men have tried to get her into that position?"

Rodney rinsed his face and picked up his toothbrush. "Maybe I wasn't interested." He began to brush his teeth.

"What about Hunter? I hear she's got a thing for Jell-O."

Rodney began to choke, but he covered it by spitting quickly and rinsing his mouth. "I know. She told me." He went back into the main room. "I really wish they'd all leave me alone."

"Ah, well, you never know, Rodney. One day they just might." John was staring at his feet, thinking about his words to Marya.

"What did you do, Major?" Rodney asked, knowing from his tone that John had done something.

"I, er, Marya asked if you...I said...it just came out, I swear it!" John was backing up to the door. Opening it with a thought, he turned, ready to flee.

"FREEZE!"

John stilled automatically.

"Shut the door and turn around slowly."

John didn't even think; he just did as he was told. If he had taken five seconds to think about it, he would have realized that, when they weren't on a mission, he pretty much did whatever Rodney told him to do.

"Look at me and tell me what you did." Rodney's tone of voice didn't waver; it was almost cold.

John didn't raise his eyes. He was genuinely afraid to. "She asked me if you...Rodney, I didn't know what else to do."

"One more time, Major. What exactly did you say to her?"

"All right, McKay." John brought his eyes up and stalked forward, taking back control of the conversation, such as it was. "She asked me if you had a...mate."

"A mate?"

"Her version of a girlfriend, I suppose." Rodney seemed to ponder this and John panicked a bit. "You're thinking, aren't you?" he asked. Rodney's brain could be a scary place. John had heard and seen some of the things that came from it.

"Yes, I am. I'm thinking What the HELL could he have possibly said to her!" Rodney poked John in the chest. "Which you still haven't told me!"

John ducked his head, a small smile on his face. "I told her you were...unavailable, that you had a...mate...and to let everyone know." After a few seconds of silence John looked up, seeing Rodney staring outside. "Aw, shit, why are you thinking again? You're not in your right mind."

"I'm in a fine mind, thank you very much," Rodney replied, a slow smile coming to his face. "And with whom am I having this passionate romance? What innocent woman is going to be dragged into your malicious gossip?" Rodney stepped outside, staring out into the ocean, thankful once again he'd chosen this room for his own. The view was magnificent. And John was right. The cool breeze was sobering. "Liz? No, I don't think so. She'd kill you. And she is so not my type." He turned, smirking at John. "Teyla?" He saw John make a face. "What? Teyla would go along with it. She loves me like a big brother. She told me so."

"Rodney, I hate to disillusion you, but Teyla and Aiden discovered love tonight, and Liz is with Peter." John winced. "And did you know about Bates and...."

"Calvin." Rodney shuddered. "I don't want to know what they see in each other. So who does that leave? Kate might go for it."

John leaned against the wall, shaking his head. "Nope, wrong answer."

Rodney studied the major, noting the way John's eyes were staring at him, the way he was chewing on his lower lip, almost shy again. It took a moment for the proverbial lightbulb to go off over his head.

"You know, for a genius you sure are a bit obtuse sometimes," John remarked.

Rodney slowly edged forward, taking two steps and pausing, unsure. A split second later John was pinned to the wall, with the air slowly being sucked from his lungs. John kissed him back at first. After all, this was his fantasy: a ready, willing and able Rodney McKay. Then again, how fucked-up was Rodney? Was he still affected by the alcohol? If he was, this could have the most horrendous consequences in the morning. If anything, John knew about that. He pulled away reluctantly. "Think about this Rodney."

Rodney was leaning in for another kiss, but he paused. "All right, John. I will." Rodney stepped back a few inches. His eyes almost predatory, he slowly moved them up and down John's body, examining him. "I thought about it."

John felt his face grow warm. When was the last time he had blushed? Never, that was when. Before he could move, two strong hands grabbed his ass and his erection was pulled up against Rodney's.

"Rodney, what are you doing?"

"Licking your ear," Rodney answered, as if John should already know that.

"This is not...oh God...a good idea...don't blow in my ear like that." John couldn't help the soft moan that escaped his lips. "Don't do that. You're still drunk Rodney."

"Maybe, but I know what I want, and I wanted it when I was sober, too. It's just easier to ask for now." Rodney's lips returned to John's ear, and his hands rested on John's crotch, pressing down, rubbing back and forth. "Can I fuck you, John?" Rodney's hands, undoing John's pants with ease, weren't waiting for an answer.

John could hardly believe that those words had come from Rodney's mouth. Nor could he believe that Rodney's right hand had found its way inside his pants and was currently rubbing his bare flesh, which was responding with a few twitches of its own.

"Sneakers off." Rodney kissed his way to John's neck, his left hand pushing up John's shirt. His fingers found the nipples and played a bit, feeling John's heartrate increase, hearing his breathing grow deeper, almost desperate.

"Rodney," John murmured into his neck, "do something, please."

Rodney placed both hands on John's face, drawing their lips close, "You're beautiful." The kiss was deep and demanding: Rodney's tongue learning every inch of John's mouth, making a meal of his tongue. Rodney's hands slid from his face, down his body, stroking his sides...it felt so good.

When he felt the nails digging in to his skin, John nearly giggled at the thought of Rodney's tongue being a lethal weapon. Instead, he moaned into Rodney's mouth and returned the kiss tenfold. Unsure of what to do with his own hands, he carded them in Rodney's hair, holding their mouths together. Man, Rodney could kiss! It was wet and sloppy and lewd. John took Rodney's free hand and, bringing it to his mouth, he licked each of Rodney's fingers, paying close attention to the thumb. As he closed his lips around it and began to suck, he was rewarded with a moan of clear ecstasy

Rodney's response was to roll his hips against John's. All the while, he kissed John harder. The only thing John could murmur when Rodney let him up for air and pulled him inside the bedroom was, "Please." Then Rodney stole his breath again. When the kiss ended, John was literally gasping for air, and totally unable to prevent Rodney from pushing him onto the bed, flat on his back...not that he wanted to stop him, just that he was unable.

Rodney nipped John's lower lip, and, straddling him, he took John's hands in his, kissing each palm, interlacing their fingers, holding tight. "Mine." He urged John up, pulling his shirt off. "You are beautiful."

John gulped, feeling his face growing warm. "Really?"

"Oh yeah." Rodney moved back, slowly easing John's pants off, rubbing John through the cotton briefs, watching and feeling

John's dick harden under his touch. The underwear was pulled down and tossed aside. Holding John close, arms around his waist, Rodney kissed his shoulder. "Do you want me to make love to you?"

John just nodded, and Rodney sat astride his legs, pinning him there. John tried to move, but felt himself trapped and tensed up. Leaning down, he slipped his tongue into John's ear, then whispered, "You have done this before, haven't you?"

John was hesitant. Opening his mouth, he started to speak, then stopped. With a gulp, he admitted, "Not exactly."

Rodney sat up, raising an eyebrow. "'Not exactly'? Do you want to elaborate on that?"

"I've never bottomed before." John lowered his eyes as if he were ashamed of that fact.

"Then let me lead, Major." Rodney shifted off the bed, taking his own clothing off. Sitting down again, his fingers caressed a path down John's back, ever so softly urging John to roll over. Straddling John again, he slowly rubbed his hand over John's shoulders in an erotic massage. He smiled as he heard the breathing even out. "You have such soft skin, John." He leaned down to press a trail of kisses from John's neck to the small of his back, then worked his way up again, smiling to himself as John began to press into the mattress, needing friction for his hardening dick. "Oh yeah...." Rodney bit one of John's cheeks. Nails digging in, he pulled them apart and placed a kiss to the center. Tongue snaking out, he darted inside for a moment, then his lips returned to the tight hole, and then his tongue again. Rodney swiped his spit-filled tongue along the entrance, this time adding a teasing finger.

Rodney smiled as John whispered "More." He happily obliged the major, stroking John's dick with his free hand, lightly fingering it.

John tried to thrust into the hand around his dick, but found he couldn't. The touch was too light. Then another finger was added and Rodney's tongue was gone from inside, and John literally cried out from the loss. Rodney's hand tightened around his dick and John thrust into his fist, needing a harder touch. A few strokes more and he came over Rodney's hand, shivering from his release.

John knew what was coming and prepared himself, but the moment he felt Rodney pushing into him, he couldn't wait. He shoved back hard taking Rodney deep...and screamed from the sudden pain.

"JOHN!" Rodney's reaction was to pull out. It wasn't the smartest move, but he did it anyway, with his hands on John's hips, holding him steady. He could almost hear the heavy thumping of John's heart. "Don't do that again," he scolded. As John calmed, so did Rodney. "There was a reason I told you to let me lead." Rodney's voice was soft and soothing. "It's okay."

He knelt there, focusing, and his eyes fell upon the liniment nearby. Reaching for the tube, he flipped the lid with shaky hands. Then with hands moving to his dick, he slicked himself up. "I told you to relax." Rodney said as he put both hands on John's ass, watching as he slowly eased his dick in. He heard a grunt and a sharp intake of breath. "I won't hurt you...I promise." A few more soft caresses and John finally relaxed, allowing Rodney further entrance. "Tell me when you're ready...I'll wait."

Rodney knew it was okay to move when John's hand moved to his dick. He pulled it away, stroking John himself, feeling John harden again. Closing his eyes, he focused everything on his lover, knowing by instinct how fast to move, how hard to stroke, the perfect angle to hit John's prostate again and again. "Let go babe...come for me."

A few short and panted breaths later, John came over Rodney's hand, sending Rodney into an orgasm that nearly caused him to pass out. Still, he held John steady, not moving from his lover until he grew flaccid and slipped out, groaning from the loss of the heat that had surrounded his dick. Lying on his side, he pulled John close, nuzzling his neck and breathing in the scent of his satiated lover. "I died and went to heaven."

"Me too," John mumbled, snuggling closer, pulling Rodney's arm around his body.

"Love you, Major Sheppard."

"Mm-hmm. Love you too, Doctor McKay. I just have one question for you."

"And what's that."

"Who's Daria?"

"Uh, she's my...well, she...." Rodney narrowed his eyes in confusion. "How did you know about her? I never told you."

"When you were barfing your guts up, you were crying that you wanted her." John smirked at him. "You're not going to leave me for someone else, are you?"

"NO! I would never...." Rodney tried to twist away but John just held him tighter.

"Rodney, I was only teasing. I know there's nobody here by that name. But tell me anyway; inquiring and nosy minds want to know. Is she your ex-wife? Ex-girlfriend?"

"My ex-wife was Chloe, or, if you ask Carson, Little Miss Bitch. And no ex-girlfriends by that name either."

John couldn't help laughing. "Then who is Daria?"

"My cat," Rodney said softly. "I miss her, John. I had to leave her with...I had to leave her behind."

"I'm sorry, Rodney."

"Not your fault." Rodney shrugged. "I'm sure she's okay."

John didn't miss the sadness in Rodney's voice. "I'm sure she is, also." He placed a tender kiss to Rodney's lips. "I could get used to being a bottom."

"Don't get too used to it, Major." Rodney chuckled. "Before you, I never topped."

"And you did such a good job."

"We geniuses do everything top-notch."

"Go to sleep, Einstein."

"Yes sir."

Epilogue

Rodney entered his quarters, a smile on his face, but the smile quickly faded as he caught sight of John...and what John was holding in his arms.

"How....?"

"Chaya. She owed me, so while you were on the mainland I paid her a visit and called in the favor."

Rodney choked up, lower lip trembling. "John, you had an Ancient owing you a favor and...you asked her to...."

"The other day I saw you looking at a picture and you seemed so sad."

"But an Ancient owing you a favor. You could have had anything...everything."

"I just wanted you happy, Rodney. But you look more miserable now."

"N-no, John...I'm h-h-happy." A few tears trickled down Rodney's face. So, of course, John started to laugh.

John wiped the tears away, kissing his lover on the cheek. "How about we go to the mess and get some food?"

Rodney composed himself, taking a deep breath. "Sounds good, Major."

That said, John and Rodney left the room...with Daria the cat padding softly behind them.

FIN