The Voodoo That You Do

by Merlin7

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asm/merlin7/voodoo.php
Summary: This is what happens when Rodney insults the wrong people

Weir paced around the conference table, her gaze falling on each of the people who occupied the chairs. Major Sheppard, Lt. Ford and Teyla Emmagon. Dr. McKay was conspicuously absent, as he was presently in the infirmary being checked over by Dr. Beckett. They were all waiting on news of his condition. "Tell me what happened," Elizabeth demanded.

Sheppard ran a hand over his face and sighed. "In a nutshell, Rodney pissed off the High Priestess of Lucru."

"And how did he do that?" Elizabeth prompted, and she could tell that none of them really wanted to tell her. She couldn't really blame them.

The mission to off world m21-77 was supposed to have been a simple in and out. Teyla had never been to Lucru so the team was just supposed to scout it out and report back. But once there Sheppard had called in, letting Weir know that the people were friendly and had invited them to a celebration. Given the fact that they were trying to make as many friends and allies as possible, Elizabeth had okayed it. But ten minutes ago the team had practically barrelled through the gate, with Major Sheppard contacting them ahead of time, to let them know they had a medical emergency. Dr. Mckay.

Which brought her back to the present moment. "Was is something he said?" Elizabeth guessed.

John snorted. "Now why would you think that?" he drawled. "Rodney is the King of decorum." But for all his sarcasm, it was obvious he was worried about McKay.

"How did he insult her? Or, better yet -- why?" Elizabeth asked.

"Why is easy," John stated. "He was being Mckay. As for...how? To be honest we're not quite sure. We think it has something to do with their religious rituals."

"Very sacred rituals," Teyla interjected, helpfully.

Elizabeth did not like the sound of that. "So what happened?" She wanted a straight answer and she wanted it now.

John shrugged, but he could tell that Weir was getting angry. "The High Priestess got...pissed, and she cursed Rodney."

"She swore at him?" Now Elizabeth was confused.

"Uh..no. She put a curse on him," John clarified. He shifted in his chair as Elizabeth locked her gaze on him.

"What kind of a curse?" she asked, rubbing at her forehead. Elizabeth could feel a headache coming on.

Ford piped up for the first time. "We don't know. We couldn't understand what she was saying...but the message was pretty clear, never the less."

Elizabeth dropped into a nearby chair and plopped her elbows on the table. She looked at her team then asked, "And what happened next?"

"Dr. Mckay collapsed," Teyla replied.

"Yeah," John confirmed. "His eyes rolled back in his head and he dropped like a stone. The Priestess then pretty much ordered us to get him the hell out of there as his presence offended her. So we grabbed Mckay and hauled ass to the Jumper. We checked him out but he wouldn't wake up so we came back here as fast as we could."

Elizabeth resisted the urge to sigh as she considered what she had been told. She had nothing conclusive really. Not about the mission and not about Rodney. "Ok," she said finally. "Hopefully Dr. Beckett will have an update for us soon."

As if on cue the door whooshed open and Dr. Beckett stepped inside. He was not alone. Rodney stepped in behind him.

"Rodney, are you all right?" Elizabeth queried, rising from her chair. She noticed the others had gotten up as well. They looked surprised.

"I'm fine," Rodney replied. "Right as rain. Hungry." As he spoke he began prowling the room.

Elizabeth watched him and was a bit surprised when he started sniffing the air. She was even more surprised when he returned to Dr. Beckett's side and sniffed him. And he did so by pretty much stuffing his nose in the doctor's neck. Elizabeth locked eyes with Carson and asked, "What is he doing?"

Beckett looked embarrassed and shrugged. "Uh....I'm not really sure," he drawled, his brogue more clipped than usual.

"Is he okay?" Elizabeth countered.

"He appears to be," Beckett replied. He pushed at Rodney and the scientist wandered off, going back to prowling the room. Beckett cleared his throat and continued. "Uh..his hormone levels are elevated, which I can't explain. But he's perfectly fine otherwise."

Elizabeth wasn't so sure about that. She continued to watch Rodney as he prowled around, sniffing everyone the same way he had Dr. Beckett. Until he came to Major Sheppard. At this point Rodney seemed to get excited. Very excited. He leaned into the major and sniffed his neck.

Major Sheppard pushed him away but Rodney came right back. John glared at Dr. Beckett as if it were his fault. "What is he doing?" he demanded.

"Um...I..um," Beckett stammered. He was obviously nervous to the point that he was just about wringing his hands. "Uh..my best guess, Major, is that Rodney...uh...likes the way you smell."

"Must be your after shave," Ford interjected, before bursting into laughter.

Teyla looked at Ford with confusion in her eyes. "What is after shave?"

He stopped laughing, but was still grinning as he replied, "It's a pleasing scent. Men wear aftershave or cologne to smell nice and women wear perfume."

"Ah." Teyla nodded understanding. "I see. I must agree. Major Sheppard always smells nice."

"I don't wear cologne," John hissed, as he tried to push Rodney away from him once more. He looked at Beckett. "Make him stop."

Beckett shrugged. "I don't know how."

Rodney made his move at that moment. He pushed Sheppard back to pin him against the wall, and held him there with his larger body mass. Then he he leaned in to sniff him again, right before he licked him.

"Get him off me!" John yelled, as he tried to push Rodney back.

"Yes sir!" Ford responded, as he jumped forward and grabbed Dr. Mckay by the arm. But he could not budge him. In the end it took the combined effort of Ford, Teyla and Dr. Beckett to peel Rodney off of the major.

Rodney howled in frustration and shook them off. But even as Elizabeth made to call for security and Beckett was ready to call for a sedative, Rodney seemed to snap back into himself, right before their eyes. His body shook for a moment and he blinked his eyes, then he seemed to realize where he was and that everyone was staring at him. He looked confused as he stared back. "What's going on?"

Elizabeth took it upon herself to explain what had just happened, including the part where Rodney had licked Major Sheppard.

"No way!" Rodney shook his head in denial. "I would not go around licking people!"

"Well apparently you do now," John shot back, still rubbing at his neck where Rodney had licked him. He wore and expression of disgust on his face.

Rodney turned to Dr. Beckett. "This is a joke, right?"

Beckett shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Maybe we should go back to medical so I can run some more tests."

"Maybe later," Rodney replied. "I think I want some air." With that he practically ran out the door.

"Is it wise to let him go?" Ford spoke up.

Elizabeth sighed. "I hope so. He seems okay now." She looked at Beckett. "Just check him over again later."

Beckett nodded. "Will do. Is that all?"

"That's all. We're done." She dismissed the group as a whole and watched them exit the room. Then she sat down at the table and buried her face in her hands. It was going to be a long day.

****

Beckett returned to his lab and studied Rodney's test results. The one thing he had not told anyone yet was how Rodney's testosterone levels were rising. The Astrophysicist, other than his strange behavior, checked out find. The rising levels of hormones did not seem to be affecting him in a negative way, per se, if one could get past the sniffing and now licking phases. But Rodney had snapped back to himself and Beckett prayed he would stay that way. Then he shook his head at the thought of wanting Dr. Mckay to go back to normal. Sighing, Beckett was about to send for Rodney to come in for another check when the nurse came running in.

"Medical emergency, doctor," she exclaimed.

"Gate team?" he asked, as he joined her at the door.

She shook her head. "No. One of the botanists ate something and is vomiting and in extreme pain."

Beckett sighed. "Let's go," he said, leading the way out. Thoughts of Rodney forgotten. For now.

****

Rodney knew just where to wait. He knew just where Major Sheppard would be going. He knew because he watched him. All the time. He liked watching Major Sheppard. Liked the way he looked, the way he moved, the way he smelled. Rodney sniffed the air. He could sense him coming now. And sure enough, footsteps echoed loudly just before Major Sheppard rounded the corner. Rodney didn't wait. He pounced on him, shoving him up against the wall and pinning him there. Then he stuck his nose in the Major's neck and inhaled deeply.

John cursed. Loudly. "Mckay! Knock it off!" He tried to push the scientist off him to know avail. It was like trying to push away a giant boulder. "Great," John drawled. "Go sniff Kavanaugh!" he hissed at Rodney, only to yelp as a wet tongue licked his neck. "Hey! I said to cut that out!" John snapped. Agaib he tried to push Rodney away again but this time found his wrists gripped in strong fingers and then he was upside down, having been slung over Rodney's shoulder. "HEY!" John shouted. He felt discombobulated, not to mentioned stunned by the fact that Rodney was actually able to pick him up and carry him this way. But as the scientist walked off and John was bounced on his shoulder, John pummeled the broad back with his fists. "Put me down! Now!" He ordered.

"No." That was all Rodney said as he kept walking. He knew where to go. A place where they could be alone.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" John argued, and he was beyond furious at this point. He tried to push himself off Rodney's shoulder, only to yelp as a big hand whacked him on the ass. "Ow!" It stung like hell and made him all the more angry. John was about to curse Rodney out again when he heard a familiar voice exclaim,

"Major!"

Relief washed over John. Relief and embarrasment. Nothing like having your second in command catch you being carried off in cave man style by another man. "Ford!" John barked. "I could use a little help here. Something is wrong with Mckay."

Ford could see that. He moved to block the scientist's way and did not like the feral gleam in the blue eyes that suddenly glared at him. "Uh..sir...you need to put Major Sheppard down," he ordered.

"Mine!" McKay hissed, clutching John possessively. He would not let anyone take the major away from him.

"Dr. Mckay...please put the major down," Ford repeated. And as he spoke he pulled his side arm. He wasn't going to shoot but he hoped it might scare the scientist enough to do as he was told.

It didn't work. Mckay simply snarled then lashed out with his free hand, knocking the gun from Lt. Ford's grasp. "Mine!" he repeated, as he patted the major on the ass.

John was pissed. "Fuck this!" he snapped. "Call Beckett!" he ordered Ford. "Tell him to get his ass down here with a sedative. Or, better yet, a tranq gun." But even as John spoke, Rodney howled and whirled around. John felt dizzy as he went along for the ride.

Rodney howled again as he plucked a dart from his leg. He glared at it even as his knees buckled.

"Shit!" John felt himself falling and he ended up on the floor with Rodney slumped on top of him. "Get him off me!" John ordered.

Ford jumped to obey, rolling the scientist off onto his side.

John scrambled to his feet, rubbing his hip where it had made hard contact with the floor when he hit it. He looked up and saw Dr. Beckett and Teyla standing there. Teyla had a tranq gun in one hand. John was surprised to see her and the good doctor, but he was also happy. "Thanks for the rescue," he told them. "But...how did you know?"

Teyla answered. "I saw Dr Mckay take you off and I followed. When I realized something was wrong, I contacted Dr. Beckett and he met me with the tranq gun." She looked at the weapon then at Rodney. "It is very effective.

"That it is," John replied. He moved to stand by Dr. Beckett who was kneeling beside Mckay. "Is he okay?"

"I'll know the answer to that once I check him out," Carson replied. "Can you tell me what happened?"

John ran a hand through his hair. "Hell if I know. I left the meeting and the next thing I know Rodney had me slammed against the wall and started licking me again. I tried to push him off but it's like he suddenly became Hercules or something. I couldn't budge him. Then he tossed me over his shoulder and took off. What the hell is up with that?"

Carson sighed. "I wish I knew. I'll run some more tests and get back to you." He stood up as a med team arrived with a stretcher and moved aside as they loaded Rodney onto it. "I was thinking, maybe you could go back to m21-77 and talk to that Priestess lady. Find out exactly what she did to Rodney.

"I think that is a good idea," Teyla concurred.

"So do I," John agreed. "Teyla, talk to Weir and see if she okays it. If so, you and I will head out ASAP."

Carson shook his head at John. "Um...I can't explain why at the moment, Major, but I think it would be best if you stayed on Atlantis. I'll explain later, if my theory is correct."

John was tempted to demand the good doc explain now, but he let it go and simply nodded. "Okay. Ford, go with Teyla and let Weir know how important this is. I want to get to the bottom of Rodney's behavior. Cause if he licks me one more time..I am so going to deck him." That said, John took a last look at Mckay's still form, then he turned on his heel and headed off.

****

Elizabeth gave Ford and Teyla the okay to go back to the planet. While they were gone, Dr. Beckett ran more tests on Rodney. HE reached a conclusion that boggled him and decided to test his theory. He did so by calling Major Sheppard down to the infirmary.

"What's up?" John asked, as he sauntered into the room. "Is Mckay all right?" He had gotten over his anger at Rodney's earlier actions, knowing that the guy was under a curse. So to speak. Before coming to Atlantis, John would have scoffed at the idea of someone being cursed for real. But after Stargates, Ancient genes, Ancient technology, the Wraith and living in Atlantis itself, John had come to accept that anything was possible.

"Rodney has a fever of sorts," Carson replied. "He's...uh...fretful."

John frowned. "I'm assuming that's bad. So...why am I here? Have you told Dr. Weir?"

Beckett grimaced. "Not yet. I want to test a theory, major. If you're willing to help me."

"Okaaay," John drawled, his confusion showing on his face. "What do you need me to do?"

"Just...um...talk to Rodney," Beckett instructed, as he led the major over to Mckay's bed.

John cocked an eyebrow at Beckett then shrugged. "Right...talk to Rodney. I can do that." He moved to Mckay's side and noticed that the astrophysicist did look flushed and feverish. "Uh...hey, Rodney," John said loudly. "How are you feeling?"

Rodney's eyes were closed and now they scrunched up as he sniffed loudly. He made to sit up but his arms were strapped down. He whimpered in frustration.

"What's going on?" John asked, looking at Beckett. He had just noticed the restraints. "Why is he strapped down?"

"Just as a precaution," Carson replied. "Uh..would you mind touching him?"

John was surprised by the request. "Why?" he countered, suspicion coloring his tone.

Beckett made a face. "Just..humor me?"

"Right." John was starting to get angry at the doctor for not explaining himself, but he did what he was asked. He reached out and touched Rodney's shoulder, but jumped back when blue eyes popped open and locked onto him.

"Touch him again," Carson ordered, as he reached for the digital thermometer.

John hesitated, but then he reached out and touched Rodney's shoulder again. Then he watched Beckett take a reading.

Carson smiled and nodded his head as he read the results. "It's going down. I thought so."

"What the hell is going on?" John demanded, letting his hand slide off of Rodney, only to nearly jump out of his skin when Rodney howled at him.

"Come with me," Carson said, grabbing John by the arm and leading him out into the other room. He winced as Rodney continued howling and prayed that the restraints would hold. "I know you're confused, major," Carson said, as John glared at him. "But just be patient for a bit longer. Lt. Ford and Teyla should be back soon from the planet and once I get their report, I'll explain everything."

John resisted the urge to cover his ears as Rodney's howls got louder. "Is he going to be all right?" John asked.

Carson sighed. "I hope so. I'm going to give him another sedative. Excuse me, major." With that Carson slipped away.

"Fuck," John whispered to himself, them he headed out in search of Weir. Maybe Ford and Teyla were already on their way back.

****

Weir stared at the group of people assembled at the conference table. The regular group, minus Dr. Mckay. Rodney was still strapped down and sedated in Medical. "Okay, let's put everything on the table," Elizabeth declared as she slid into her own seat. She focused her attention on Carson "Dr. Beckett. You've run tests on Dr. McKay and studied Lt. Ford's report from the planet. Can you tell us what's wrong with Rodney?"

Carson nodded. "I think I can. According to what the High Priestess told Lt. Ford and Teyla, the curse she put on Dr. Mckay -- in simplified terms -- made it so that he's in heat."

"In heat?" Elizabeth echoed.

"Pretty much literally," Carson replied. "He's burning up inside. HIs core temperature is rising and will continue to do so until he...mates."

Elizabeth frowned. "And by mate you mean....?"

Carson flushed and he had to clear his throat before he could answer. "He needs to have...intercourse."

Ford snickered until Dr. Weir glared at him. "Sorry."

"So what's the problem?" John spoke up. "Hook him up with someone and problem solved. Right?"

"It's not that simple," Carson countered.

John made a face. "Figures. So what's the problem?"

Carson stared down at his hands and picked at his thumb nail. "Well...he has to mate with the right person. And by that I mean the person that is...compatible....to him. Or rather, um...the person he feels the need to mate with. Sort of. I mean --"

"I think Dr. Beckett means that Dr. Mckay must mate with the person he is attracted to," Teyla interjected, helpfully.

"That's what I mean," Carson allowed, and he shot Teyla a look of gratitude.

Sheppard was confused. "Fine. Whatever. So let him mate with this person and be done with it."

Carson went back to picking at his thumb to the point where he made it bleed. He sucked on it for a moment then realized everyone was looking at him, so he stuck it in his pocket and cleared his throat again. He didn't know what to say.

Elizabeth tapped her fingertips on the table as she sorted out the information she had been given. "So what you're saying is that Rodney has to mate with the person of his choice to break the curse?"

"Yes," Carson replied.

"And you think he's picked his mate?"

Carson winced and nodded. "Uh...yes."

Elizabeth sensed she was not going to like what came next. "And this person would be?"

"Well...as far as I can tell from my observations, Rodney is attracted to Major Sheppard." Carson blurted this out in one breath and waited for the inevitable explosion. He didn't have long to wait.

"What?" Sheppard was out of his chair and in Beckett's face in a heart beat. "What the hell did you just say?"

Carson made himself hold the major's glare. "I'm sorry, but that's how it looks. That's why I had you come down to medical. When you touched Rodney his core temp dropped and he calmed down. It was obvious he was attracted to you from the beginning, and when he grabbed you and tried to take you off with him..that's what got me thinking. And what Lt. Ford and Teyla found out just confirmed my suspicions."

Sheppard backed away, shaking his head. "That's insane!"

"I'm sorry, major." And Carson was sorry. But he didn't know what else to say.

"So am I," John shot back. He began pacing around the table in angry strides.

Elizabeth watched him for a moment then turned to Carson. "So what does this mean? Do you expect Major Sheppard to mate with Rodney?"

Carson wished the floor would open up and swallow him, but it didn't happen. So he nodded. "That's pretty much what has to happen."

"Well it's not going to happen!" John was back in Carson's face. "Rodney is going to have to go find someone else to lick!"

"He's already picked you," Carson argued.

John shook his head. "Not happening."

Elizabeth got John's attention and waved him to his chair. After he sat down she turned back to Carson "Worst case scenario if Rodney doesn't mate with anyone?"

"He dies."

There was a chorus of "What?"

Carson looked at them all, letting them each see how serious this was. "If Rodney does not mate then his core temperature will continue to rise and he will, quite literally, brain fry. To put it in non medical terms. He will die."

"There has to be something else we can do," John countered, and there was desperation in his voice. There was also concern shining in his hazel eyes.

"Get the Priestess to remove the curse," Carson countered.

Teyla shook her head. "That's not going to happen. She is still very angry."

Elizabeth resisted the urge to sigh. "Any other options?" She threw out to the group.

"None I can come up with," Carson replied. "The other thing I've discovered during my testing is that Rodney has reverted to very primal behavior. In essance he's reverting to cave man mentality. He's driven by simple, basic, needs. It's a primal intinct. He's driven to mate. He needs it and he won't stop until his needs are met. Until his desires are...sated."

"So what are you telling us?" Elizabeth prompted. "Bottom line?"

Carson took a deep breath and released it slowly to calm his nerves. Then he turned his head and locked eyes with Major Sheppard. "I'm telling you that unless Rodney mates with the major, he's going to die."

Elizabeth felt shaken to her very core. "How much time does he have?"

"Maybe twenty-four hours."

His announcement was met with dead silence.

Elizabeth was the first to find her voice. "Everyone is dismissed, except you, John. We need to talk."

No one said a word as they left the room. Once they were gone, Elizabeth moved to sit next to the Major. "What are you thinking?" she asked him, soflty.

"I'm thinking that this is insane," he replied, without looking at her. "Five months ago I was content to play taxi driver in Antactica, just to be flying. Then I sit down in a stupid chair and the next thing I know I'm in a galaxy far, far away battling life sucking creatures and learning how to play trader. But that's just a normal day in Atlantis, and I thought I was adjusting to it quite well. Until now."

"I know it's asking alot of you, John," Elizabeth said quietly. "But we're talking about Rodney's life here. I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to.But we need him."

John raised a hand to silence her. "I know." He pushed out of his chair and left the room without another word.

****

When Beckett returned to the infirmary it was to discover that Dr. Mckay was gone. He thought about contacting Weir, or the Major, but then he decided to just let things play out. It was out of his hands now.

****

John left the conference room with no real destination in mind. He felt like he was suffocating but didn't head for the nearest balcony. Instead he found himself at his room and he decided he would try to read for a bit as a distraction. He needed to disassociate himself from the reality before him, if only for a little while. Then he would go to Mckay and see if they could talk about this mating thing. Maybe they could work something out.

With a simple thought, John made the door to his room whoosh open. He stepped inside and, immediately, realized that he was not alone. But before he could react, hands were on him and John felt himself tossed onto his bed. He fell onto his back and didn't even get a chance to catch his breath when a heavy body was over him, pressing him down into the mattress. Then a nose was pressed against his neck, sniffing him.

"Mckay...stop that!" John protested, lifting his hands to push him off, only to find his wrists grabbed by steel fingers, and his arms were pinned next to his head. Instinct made John struggle against the hold on him, but he could not break Mckay's grip. Nor could he avoid the tongue that licked a trail from his neck to his chin.

"Mine.." Rodney whispered, his voice deep and husky.

John squirmed beneath Mckay's body weight, but he couldn't budge him. Then a tongue was lapping in his ear and that made John giggle, until that same tongue was suddenly plunged into his mouth. John about choked as much from the tongue in his mouth as from the realization that Rodney was kissing him. Although *devouring* him would be a more apt description for what he was doing. And John was amazed at himself for being detached enough from what was happening to even have such thoughts. But that detachment disappeared at the sound of tearing cloth and John realized Rodney had ripped his shirt open. Then Rodney's tongue was lapping at his nipples. "Wait!" John squeaked out. His arms were free again so he tried to push Rodney off him. Big mistake.

Rodney snarled and pinned John down again, only this time he used a part of the ripped shirt to bind his wrists to the head board. He watched as the other man tugged at his bindings, then smiled in satisfaction as he whispered, "Mine."

"Rodney, wait!" John begged, as the scientist began undoing his pants. He kicked at him only to find his ankle gripped in steel fingers, then his boots were ripped off, followed by his socks, then Rodney went back to removing his pants and boxers. He was stripped so fast, if rather inelegantly, that John didn't have time to catch his breath. Then Rodney was touching him. Stroking his bare skin and John felt himself blush scarlet. "Please...Rodney. Listen to me," he pleaded.

"Pretty..." Rodney whispered, then he bent his head to lick John's navel.

John twitched and blushed again. He wasn't pretty, dammit! He'd heard enough of that from his fellow airmen. Mitch and Dax had loved chanting *Major pretty boy* at him. Till John gave them both a black eye. But his momentary lapse into the past came to a screeching halt when a hand wrapped around his cock. "Rodney...don't!"

But Rodney didn't listen. Instead he bent his head again and licked the tiny slit.

John felt his cock twitch, stirring to life. He tugged at his bindings and tried shifting his hips, until Rodney sat on his legs. Then the warm, wet, tongue was back on the head of his cock and the protest John intended to make came out as a moan. The moan became a whimper when Rodney suddenly sucked John deep into his mouth. Then he used fingers and lips and tongue to bring John to a shattering orgasm. John's entire body felt liquified. But in spite of the pleasure, he felt embarrased and ashamed. He had never been with another man before. Not that he was against it, but this was all new to him and it was happening too fast.

"Sweet," Rodney whispered, then he kissed John.

And John could taste himself and it made him shudder. Then Rodney was up and off the bed, but only to strip off his own clothes. John found himself unable to look away, but at the same time he tugged at his bindings. He had a good idea what Rodney planned on doing next and he was so not ready for it.

Rodney smiled as he climbed back on the bed. "Need you...." he whispered.

"Rodney...I can't do this," John protested, even as the other man draped his -- naked -- body over him. It registered to John that Rodney was warm. Very warm. Too warm, in fact, and it reminded John of what Dr. Beckett had told them. If Rodney didn't mate, his core temperature would rise and, literally, fry his brain. John did not want that to happen. He did not want Rodney to die. But he still wasn't ready for this to happen. No way in hell was he ready to have sex with another man. Although, technically, he supposed that had already happened, given the fact Rodney had just given him a blow job.

"Smell good," Rodney said, as he sniffed the major's neck again. Then he was kissing his way down John's body until he reached his navel. Then he shifted back onto his knees so that he could move between the major's long legs.

John knew what was coming next and he hoped to distract Rodney from his goal. "Rodney...uh...if you let me go maybe...uh..maybe I could give you your release," he offered. How hard could a blow job be? He was a guy, he knew what he liked, all he had to do was apply that knowledge. Right?

But Rodney wasn't listening. He sucked on one finger for a moment, then moved his hand to John's ass. Unerringly he found the puckered opening and pressed his saliva-slicked finger inside.

"No..no!" John protested, as he shifted in an attempt to get the finger out of him. The sensation was beyond strange and way too invasive and he wanted out of here now. But he discovered just how determined Rodney was, and how strong, when steel fingers gripped one hip to hold him still, while a second finger slid inside him. John felt himself being stretched open. He was about to make another protest when the fingers slid out and he breathed a sigh of relief. But it was shortlived. Suddenly, Rodney was gripping his thighs, pressing his knees back to his chest, before lining himself up. Before John had a chance to react, he felt a hard pressure then a sharp burst of pain as he was breeched.

"So tight.." Rodney drawled, as he hitched his hips forward and gained another inch.

John's body went taut with surprise and pain. It burned as he was stretched open and he forgot how to breathe for a moment. Then Rodney's mouth was on his, as if to remind him. John took a shuddering breath but it caught in his chest as Rodney pushed in further. He was too thick and too hard and John found himself blinking back tears. "Rodney..stop..please!" John pleaded, brokenly.

But Rodney couldn't stop. He kissed John, swallowing his whimpers of pain as he forced himself all the way inside. Then he went still and gave a happy sigh. "Mine," he said softly, against John's lips.

"Please.." John was begging again. He could feel Rodney's cock throbbing deep inside him, filling him too full.

Rodney began to move. Pulling out almost to the tip then pressing back inside. Long, slow thrusts. But then he gripped John's hips and began to pump faster and harder, pistoning in and out of his tightness, hearing the soft whimpers John was making and they excited him all the more. "Mine!" Rodney growled, as he shifted a bit so he could slam in deeper. Then he felt it. The heat inside him was fanning into flames. Searing him from the inside out. Rodney closed his eyes and thrust blindly, losing his rythmn but it didn't matter. He was melting into liquid pleasure as his body exploded into white-fire and he pulsed his seed deep inside of John. Then Rodney felt his senses spiralling away from him and he dissolved into darkness. Only to come awake to the sound of somene calling his name.

"Mckay!"

"What...huh?" Rodney felt tiny sparks of pleasure throughout his body and he realized his skin was sheened in a cold sweat. Then he realized he was naked and lying on someone. He shifted then went stiff with horror as he realized where he was and what he had done. Rodney remembered everything. "Ohmygod!" He scrambled off the major, hearing John's moan as Rodney's cock slid out of him. Stumbling to his feet, Rodney looked down as his deflated cock and saw that it was slick with semen and blood. "God..god.." Panic set in and Rodney began to shake.

"Mckay!" John called his name again.

Rodney would not look at him. "What?" His voice was a shaky whisper.

"Untie me, please."

"Yes..yes, of course. I'm sorry." Rodney moved to the head of the bed and freed John's wrists, then he turned to search for his clothes and he yanked them on, nearly falling over in his haste. He felt sick to his stomach. "God..I'm sorry," he mumbled, as he heard the major slip off the bed.

John pulled the sheet with him, wrapping it around him. "It's okay," he said softly. "How....how do you feel?"

Rodney was surprised by the question. He had just raped the major and the guy was asking him how he was? Unbelievable. "I'm good," Rodney replied, then he realized that the fire that had burned in his blood was gone. As was the painful desire to mate. No surprise considering he had just fucked Sheppard but good. "I have to go," Rodney muttered, then he ran for the door. He heard Sheppard calling after him but kept running.

He made it back to his own quarters just in time to be thoroughly sick. Once his stomach was empty, Rodney rinsed his mouth then splashed cold water on his face. He realized he was still shaking and he sank down to the floor. Rodney sat there until he heard his door chime. He didn't respond. He willed whoever it was to go away. But they didn't. Rodney heard his door whoosh open and figured it was Sheppard. Only someone with the ATA gene could make the door open. But it wasn't the major who knelt down beside him. It was Dr. Beckett. "What are you doing here?" Rodney snapped at him.

"Major Sheppard told me I should come find you. I took a chance you would be here." Dr. Beckett reached out and pressed a hand to Rodney's forehead. "You feel much cooler."

"I'm fine!" Rodney batted his hand away.

Beckett nodded then cleared his throat. "So..I guess you mated with the major?"

Rodney laughed, but it was a cold and humorless sound. "No...I did not mate with the major." Rodney lifted his head so he could lock eyes with Beckett. "What I did was rape him. I raped him and made him bleed. That's what I did with the major!" Rodney felt a cold anger swelling inside him and it was directed at himself. He dropped his eyes and whispered, "I made him bleed."

"It's going to be okay, Rodney," Beckett replied. "You didn't mean to hurt him. I'm sure the major knows that."

"Right." Rodney was not sure about that at all. He glanced at Beckett and saw that the doctor looked pale and shaken. Rodney knew the feeling. "Leave me alone!" he gritted out.

Beckett didn't argue the point. He simply rose to his feet and walked out.

Once he was alone again, Rodney curled up into a ball and blinked back tears. "I'm sorry, John.." he whispered, over and over and over again. "I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry..I'm so sorry..."

****

Beckett headed straight to Major Sheppard's quarters after leaving Mckay's. He hit the door chime and barely waited for the Major to invite him in before entering. He found Sheppard standing in the middle of the room. A glance around and he saw that the bed was neatly made. The major's hair was damp and Beckett could guess that he had just come from the shower. "I saw Rodney," Beckett blurted out.

"How is he? Is he okay now?" John asked.

"He seems to be. I'll have to run some tests later."

John nodded. "Good."

Beckett studied him and he could see that the other man was pale and looked shaky. "Major...I want you to come down to medical for an exam."

"No."

"Rodney told me what happened."

John glared at him. "You already knew what happened."

Beckett took a deep breath and released it slowly. "He said he made you bleed."

"I'm not having this conversation with you, doctor. You can go now."

"Not until I know you're all right."

John managed a weak smile. "I'm fine. Rodney's fine. It's all good." He gestured to the door. "You know the way out."

Beckett held his ground. "I want to do an exam. Don't make me go to Weir."

"I can take care of myself," John whispered.

"Major --" Carson began, but he fell silent when he looked into the major's eyes. They were asking Beckett to trust him. Begging him really. So he simply nodded and headed for the door. He didn't know what else to do. But Maybe Elizabeth would.

****

No one talked about what happened. Elizabeth tried talking to both Rodney and John. Rodney blew her off and John simply insisted he was fine. So she let it go. For now.

Mckay's way of coping was to hide out in his lab. He asked to be taken off Sheppard's mission team for the time being and Weir okayed it. Which ended up pissing John off. Not that Rodney noticed. He avoided Sheppard like the plague. So John went to him.

Rodney heard the lab door whoosh open and looked up, expecting to see Zalenka. When he saw Major Sheppard standing there, he dropped the forceps he had been holding. "What are you doing here?" His voice was hoarse and wobbly.

"We need to talk," John stated, as he hit the door panel with one hand, effectively locking the door.

"There's nothing to talk about." Rodney picked up the forceps only to fumble them again. He left them on the floor.

John stalked across the room until he was face to face with Mckay. "You can't avoid me forever, Rodney."

"Sure I can." And Rodney had every intention of doing just that.

"Beckett tells me you're okay now. The curse is...lifted. So to speak."

Rodney nodded then tried to back way from Sheppard, only to find himself stalked until he hit the far wall. "I'm fine. Thanks. I'm sorry."

John cupped Rodney's chin in his palm. "What happened wasn't your fault, Mckay. It was the curse. You know that."

Anger washed over Rodney. "I raped you, John! Don't you get that? I fucking raped you!"

"You did what you had to do to get better. I get that," John countered. "It wasn't rape."

"I tied you up and forced myself inside you. I made you bleed. How the hell is that not rape?" Rodney shot back.

John touched Rodney's cheek. "You made me cum," he said softly.

That shocked Rodney to the point that he could only stare at the major in mute disbelief.

"If you hadn't been so freaked out you would have noticed."

"What..you're in to pain?" Rodney hissed.

John shrugged. "I guess I'm in to you. Rodney...I know you weren't trying to hurt me. You were just trying to heal yourself. It freaked me a bit at first, okay? I've never been with another man before."

Rodney sighed and pulled away from John's touch. It reignited his desire for him. "I've wanted you for a long time," he whispered. "Go ahead...laugh."

"I'm not laughing."

"You should be. It's pretty damn funny."

John bit back a curse. "Look...what happened happened, okay? It saved your life. That's the bottom line and that's all that really matters."

Rodney was surprised to hear that. "Like you care whether I live or die?"

"I care." John spoke softly but firmly.

"Why?" Rodney wanted to believe him but couldn't.

John shook his head. "I just do. Look...you have to get past what happened, Mckay. I need you back on my team."

Rodney wanted to be back, but it wasn't that easy. "I wanted the first time to be different," he whispered.

"What did you say?" John frowned at him.

"I've dreamed about being with you," Rodney confessed. "About our first time and what it would be like. The way I would make you want me as much as I wan you."

John was silent for a long moment then, "Show me."

Rodney stiffened. He could not have heard right. "What did you say?"

"Show me, Mckay," John repeated. "Make love to me."

Rodney pinched himself, hard, then yelped in pain. He rubbed his arm and was stunned to realize that he was not dreaming. "You would trust me after what I did to you?"

John nodded. "I trust you with my life. How could I not trust you to love me."

"It's not love," Rodney shot back. "It can't be love."

"Call it mutual like then," John countered. "Just show me what you dreamed."

Rodney wanted that. He wanted to show John the way it as supposed to be. "My place?"

John smiled and nodded, then he unlocked the door. "Ready?"

"Are you sure about this?" Rodney asked, as he moved to him.

"I'm sure," John replied, then he proved it with a kiss.

Rodney mewed as John kissed him. It wasn't a hot kiss. It was a soft kiss. Sweet and tender, yet somehow sexy. Because it was John. Everything John did was sexy. Rodney kissed him back with the same softness then broke off to whisper. "I never meant to hurt you."

John touched his forehead to Rodney's. "I believe you. Now believe yourself." He kissed ROdney again then a smirk curved his lips. "I did kind of like the bondage thing. Never tried that before."

Rodney knew what John was doing. He could see past the smiles and the teasing tone. John was just as nervous as Rodney was. Maybe just as scared. But he wanted them both to be all right and Rodney wanted that too. And he saw desire glittering in John's hazel eyes. Enough to make him believe that maybe this could be more than a time of healing for them both. Maybe it would be the beginning of something real. Something positive and perfect and beautiful. "I'm ready now," Rodney said, as he reached for John's hand. He could feel the slight tremor in the fingers that curled around his own. "It's going to be all right," Rodney whispered, as much for his own sake as for John's.

"I know," John replied. "Just do me a favor."

"Anything." Rodney meant it.

John grinned at him. "Don't piss off anyone else off world. Because if you ever start sniffing me and licking me again, I will make you sorry."

Rodney could not resist the punchline John had set him up with. He held back a smirk and countered, "Bite me!"

And his yelp of surprise echoed throughout the corridor, as Major Sheppard did just that.

THE END