Nothing Hurts Like Love.
AUTHOR : Lucy Maria Elmer
SUMMARY: A celebration on Atlantis goes awry and leaves many realising their true desires.
CATEGORY: McWeir, Beckett/Other, Sheyla, angst, drama, comedy (kinda though I`m really not funny)
RATING :PG-13
SEASON: Season 1.
SPOILERS: Erm pretty much everything so far though episodes aren't discussed in detail.
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on Copyrights or trademarks were intended. Previously
Unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author. Trisha Yearwoods song Second Chance also doesn't belong to me and the title comes from a Daniel Bedingfield song. Please don't sue me. I'm poor!
For Nike x
~*~*~*~*~*
It was late on Atlantis and the inhabitants were all weary after a long day; but a celebration was occurring and sleep was the last thing on a lot of minds. Today it had been announced that the first child was to be born on Atlantis. One of the team from Earth had fallen in love with one of the Athosians and in seven months a child was to be born. As unexpected as it was it was as if the child was a symbol of the trust that the two groups had put in each other and the bond that was forming between them. Now under the watchful eye of Dr Elizabeth Weir a celebration was being had by all.
Elizabeth Weir stood on the balcony watching over her colleagues. Major John Shepphard was chatting animatedly with Teyla and Aiden Ford, the three of them congratulating the happy couple as they walked past. A little to their right stood Doctorrs Rodney McKay and Carson Beckett who seemed to be consuming most of the food on the buffet table with the help of Jinto, a young Athosian boy who had become close to John Shepphard since his arrival on Atlantis. All around them people were laughing and joking and both the Athosians and people from Earth were getting to know each other. It was a sight that warmed Elizabeth's heart and as shocked as she had been when the young couple had come to her with their news she couldn't help but see the imminent arrival of the child as a good sign.
Elizabeth watched as Shepphard, Teyla and Ford found a free table and sat down. A couple of minutes later McKay and Beckett joined them with plates full of food and the team began to chat excitedly amongst themselves between taking handfuls of food to feed their appetites. She could make out Shepphard teasing a defensive Rodney and hear Beckett's Scottish accent join in with the teasing leaving a rosy cheeked Rodney trying to hide his head in his hands, muffling the sarcastic replies that he shot back at them.
She couldn't help but smile when she saw the Canadian Scientist being playfully teased by his colleagues and thought to herself how cute he was when he was embarrassed. He was so used to people teasing him because of his intelligence or just because of the way that he was that he was a pro at quick-witted responses and sharp remarks. It was a part of him that a lot of people found it hard to work with; including sometimes the people he was sitting with now.
As hard as it was for him to believe however the people he was with were his friends and their teasing was nothing more than a friendly banter. As annoying as he sometimes could be and as sarcastic and whiny as he appeared on a daily basis underneath all of that was a man who was aware what hard work he was. A man who was sensitive and could be heroic when he wasn't worried about how hungry he was or the possibility of certain death or a painful injury. He was a man that had been made the way he was by a hard start in life, but one whose sarcasm and whining they could all see past and accept. She only wished sometimes that other people would take the time to do the same and see the man that was underneath.
Feeling a pair of eyes watching him a still rosy cheeked Rodney looked around the large hall noticing Elizabeth standing alone on the balcony, occasionally nodding a greeting at people that walked past her and watching their table. He smiled at her and motioned for her to join them but she shook her head.
`It must be lonely being a leader.' He thought to himself as he looked at her standing there, wondering if it hurt her that everyone was in their own little groups and there she was standing alone.
Excusing himself from the table Rodney walked over to the buffet table and filled up a plate with various bits of food. Some he knew and some he wasn't sure about as they were Athosian dishes but he put them on the plate all the same. Jinto had told both he and Beckett what a lot of them were so he avoided the ones he didn't like the sound of. He then made his way through the crowds of people to the balcony where Elizabeth was standing and joined her. He handed her the plate.
"I thought you might be hungry." He told her laughing as Beckett attempted to teach Teyla and Ford the Highland Fling below them.
"I am a little. Thank you Rodney." Elizabeth said smiling gratefully.
"It's a good party." Rodney commented looking around the room at all the smiling faces.
"Yes it is. I think it's just what we needed." She agreed taking a bite of some of the food.
"What is this?" She asked him pulling a face.
He grinned.
"Oh it's Athosian. I'm not entirely sure what it is. Interesting isn't it?" He replied grinning cheekily.
Elizabeth swallowed quickly and then playfully elbowed him in the ribs, offering the plate to him.
"Can you believe that in seven months Atlantis will have it's first baby?" She then asked him.
"Well it had to happen sometime. Being here is amazing but it is kind of lonely. Its natural people are pairing up and that`s probably going to result in marriage and babies." He commented. "Screaming, pooping, smelly babies." He added shuddering.
Elizabeth smiled at him.
"I take it you're not a baby person then?" She asked him.
"Oh don't get me wrong babies are cute and everything but can I see myself going gaga over a baby? I don't think so. What about you?" He asked her curiously.
"I've never really thought about it." She admitted softly.
"Really? I thought that all women got gooey eyed over babies." He teased thinking to himself how cute Elizabeth would be with a baby.
"Well this one doesn't. I've never really had time to. So far my life's pretty much been all about my career. I haven't really had time to think about a family before. I never even discussed children with Simon."
"Well I think that for any woman that I've been with the idea of little Rodney McKay's running around is more than enough to put them off having my children." Rodney told her with a sad smile on his face. "I'm a handful enough on my own."
"You need to try and think better of yourself Rodney. " Elizabeth told him honestly.
"I already know that I'm a genius. How much better can I think myself to be?" He asked her raising his eyebrows.
"You know what I mean. Underneath all your sarcasm and wit there isn't much trust in people or in yourself. You don`t want to let anyone close to you." She commented sadly.
He looked down, unable to meet her eyes but touched by her concern for him.
"You're not as bad as you think you are you know. You act like you don't care. You push us all away and try and keep us at arms length by whining and sniping and getting angry but it doesn't work."
"Not even sometimes?" He asked her with a hint of a grin on his face.
"Okay. Sometimes." She agreed. "One day you'll find the right woman and you'll have your family. Maybe then you'll be a little less hard on yourself."
"Since when did you turn psychologist?" He snapped, immediately regretting it as some of the people standing close to them looked at the pair. "I'm sorry." He apologised. "I just...I've seen psychiatrists forever. My parents used to make me go. They couldn't handle me either. They couldn't handle how defensive or sarcastic I am...but what do they expect when you've spent your life being teased for being smart and told that you're not good enough to do anything you want by them and all the people around you? They didn't want a pianist as a son and they cared even less about having a scientist. I'm not even sure I want a family. I don't want to push any child of mine away like they did with me. Besides kids hate me and I`m uncomfortable with them."
"You just need to learn to relax around them a little that's all and then they'll relax around you. And recognising that you don't want to push your child away like your parents did...that's the first step. I think when you have your own child things will be different. You know what it`s like not to be believed in or encouraged. I don`t think you`d make that mistake." Elizabeth reassured him, not having heard Rodney talk so openly before and feeling flattered that he'd chosen her to talk to.
"Anyway I thought this was a celebration and here we are dampening the mood." He commented changing the subject and looking back down at their friends.
"Looks like Ford's nailed the Highland Fling." Elizabeth told her friend laughing as Shepphard got up and started to mimic the young Lieutenant while Teyla sat down tiredly.
"Looks like Carson's got a fan too." Rodney commented noticing one of the young nurses watching the handsome Scot as he taught them a piece of his culture.
Teyla noticed the pair watching from the balcony and motioned for them both to come down before collapsing back in her chair in a fit of giggles as John danced around her.
Rodney turned to Elizabeth smiling.
"Why don't you come and join us? It's a party. You shouldn't be up here alone." He said quietly.
"I should keep an eye on things." Elizabeth said a little sadly.
"You should have a good time. You deserve to let your hair down just the same as everybody else here. Come on...please?" He asked her pouting in an attempt to get her to come with him. It seemed to work.
"Okay fine but if all hell breaks loose then I'm holding you personally responsible."
"That's right blame the Scientist." He teased as she followed him down to where the rest of the group looked like they were having a whale of a time.
"Nice footwork Ford." Rodney told the young Lieutenant who was still trying his luck at the traditional Scottish dance.
"You think you can do better?" Shepphard challenged. "Hi Doc. Nice to see you." He told the small brunette smiling warmly before turning his attention back to Rodney and trying to get him to dance.
"Aye, Nice ta see ya enjoyin' the party lass." Carson told her smiling his trademark smile.
"It is indeed nice to see you Doctor Weir." Teyla agreed.
Elizabeth smiled at them warmly.
"No. I am not even going to pretend that I'm going to be any good. I won't do it." Rodney could be heard arguing suddenly very loudly.
The group turned around to watch the exchange, which was now taking place between Shepphard and McKay.
"Come on McKay. A genius like yourself should be able to pick up some simple dance steps."
"I don't think so. No offence Carson it looks fun...but I'd like one day to go by where I haven't made a fool out of myself." Rodney explained sighing. "These feet have no rhythm. Trust me."
"No offence taken." Carson replied taking pity on his friend.
"McKay you're such a coward." Shepphard commented smiling.
Elizabeth glared at Shepphard. After what McKay had been talking to her about she knew there was no way that he was going to act very kindly to Shepphard's teasing.
"Excuse me?" Rodney replied angrily.
"Gentlemen please. This is a celebration. I will not have you argue like this." Elizabeth told them both sternly. "Have some respect for the reason why we're celebrating in the first place."
The two men looked at the floor and Elizabeth touched Rodney's arm reassuringly.
"Carson why don't you see if Emilie over there wants to dance with you?" Elizabeth commented glancing over at the pretty young nurse they'd noticed watching him earlier.
"You think I should?" He asked the group.
"Carson she was checking you out earlier. Go ask her." Rodney encouraged.
"If you don't I will." Ford teased getting off his seat.
Teyla laughed.
"No. No I'll ask her. She's a lovely wee girl." Beckett told them suddenly looking very thoughtful.
"I think I'll go do it..." Shepphard joined in getting off his seat and starting to walk over to the young woman.
"John..." Elizabeth called as they all watched him approach the young nurse.
"Here we go." Rodney muttered sitting down at the table and propping his head up with his arm sulkily.
"Hi." John said to the young woman.
She smiled, frowning a little as Beckett walked up behind the dark haired man and started to do hand gestures, trying to tell her not to listen to anything Shepphard said.
"Hi." She replied trying to stifle a laugh as she watched Beckett.
"You're Emilie right?" He asked her trying to disarm her with his most charming smile.
"I was last time I checked yeah. You`re John Shepphard." She replied.
"Yes I am. I was wondering..." John started.
Emilie looked at him expectantly.
"You were wondering..." Emilie prompted, her blue eyes sparkling.
"If you had a choice between going on a date with me or the good doctor here who would you choose?" Shepphard asked her trying to put the most charming smile he could on his face.
Beckett buried his head in his hands.
"Oh he did not..." Ford commented; shaking his head and smiling.
"Oh yes he did." Rodney replied as Teyla watched the both of them and their exchange with much confusion.
"Let me get this straight. You want me to choose out of the both of you who I'd prefer to date?" Emilie asked him.
Shepphard nodded grinning and Beckett started walking back to the table.
"Well then. I have to say...I pick Doctor Beckett. Sorry Major. You're just not as cute to me." The young woman replied tying to stifle a giggle when she saw John's expression.
Beckett stopped dead and turned around and John gaped.
"Of course you pick him. I knew you were going to choose him." John told her a little unsurely.
"Of course you did." Emilie replied sarcastically taking a sip of her drink.
"I'm going to go sit back down now." John told her blushing; walking silently past Beckett and sitting back down at the table where Ford immediately began to laugh.
Beckett meanwhile walked over to Emilie.
"I'm sorry about that lass. That was not my idea." He apologised fiddling with the cuff of his shirt nervously.
Emilie smiled and the breath caught in Beckett's throat as he realised for the first time just how pretty she was.
"I know." She said softly smiling at him sweetly. "You think he was shocked that I picked you?" She asked.
Beckett smiled and sat down next to her.
"I was the one who was most shocked lass believe me." He replied. "I don't know why a pretty girl like you would pick me."
"You don't strike me as an unconfident person Doctor Beckett."
"Appearances can sometimes be deceptive." He replied and she nodded.
"Were you just sayin' that you'd pick me or was it true?" He then asked her shyly.
"I'm not a liar Doctor." She assured him. "Besides who could resist those eyes. You really are cute." She told him going shy.
Beckett smiled.
"So that dance you were teaching the others...it's Scottish?" Emilie asked him tilting her head to the side and looking up at him.
Beckett nodded. He couldn't help but think how adorable this young woman was.
"I was actually wondering if you'd like to dance with me. That`s why I was coming over until Major Shepphard decided to get involved. Would you like to dance with me?" He asked softly.
Emilie nodded and took Beckett's hand in her own.
"Sure." She replied. "I'd love to."
Beckett gently pulled Emilie up off her seat and with a hand on the small of her back led her to a spot where he could teach her to dance.
The others watched the Doctor happily dance and smiled.
"I think the right man got the girl Sir." Ford commented as Beckett's laughter could be heard echoing in the hall.
Shepphard smiled.
"I think you're right Lieutenant. All he needed was a little push."
"Oh so that's what you were doing. Giving them a little push." Elizabeth asked with a hint of mocking in her voice.
"Of course." Shepphard replied sitting back in his chair and stretching.
"Funny how you ended up being completely embarrassed." Rodney remarked.
"Yeah. Now I know what it's like to be you." Shepphard replied quickly.
Elizabeth turned to Rodney and swore that she could see hurt on his face. Her observation was proved right when he got up out of his chair and began to walk away.
"Major that was uncalled for." Elizabeth scolded getting up out of her chair. She wanted to follow Rodney and see if he was all right.
"I was kidding." He shouted loud enough so McKay could hear him. "It was a joke!"
"It's nice to know that you see me as a joke Major." Rodney shouted back behind him. "I'm sure everyone else thinks that too."
Before anyone had time to reply Halling and a large group of Athosians moved through the hall with trays of drinks. They handed them out to the Earth team who gratefully accepted. When everyone had received one Halling then walked up to Elizabeth.
"We thought it right that seeing as our two cultures have become entwined, we should share some of our culture with you. This is a drink native to our culture. It is said to make you aware of your inner desires."
Weir looked around a little unsurely at her people. When she saw that they were already drinking she took a sip herself. It was only then that she noticed people had started collapsing onto the floor.
"We need a medical team to.." Beckett started before he collapsed, Emilie kneeling down next to him to feel for a pulse and then falling at his side.
"Rodney..." Elizabeth whispered frightened as the upset Scientist collapsed in front of her. She turned around and noticed Shepphard and Ford had collapsed too, their heads resting on the table as Teyla tried to rouse them.
"Halling..." Weir called softly before dizziness overcame her too and then everything went black.
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