SGA fic: Gaijin part 29/40
Dec. 22nd, 2008 11:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sam_gamgeeGaijin, Part 29/40
The complete header can be found in part 1.
Previous parts can be found here.
The next few days felt anti-climatic for Rodney. Chuck and Evan settled back into their routines easily enough, and Chuck had no problems being alone in his quarters. And John and Carson, along with Radek from time to time, had been busy with the sensitivity training, as well as making up a program for the new recruits. But, all in all, Rodney was happy that things were returning to normal.
One thought niggled at the back of his mind through all of this – maybe he should find someone for John. He’d run the whole idea by John, of course, but Rodney couldn’t help thinking that if he chose someone for John, then maybe John would be more receptive to them, and would make that final step in moving away from keeping Rodney as his romantic ideal. Granted, the whole thing could blow up in Rodney’s face, but he was willing to take that risk if he could ultimately help John be happy.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Chuck said, sidling up to Rodney’s table.
Rodney smiled at him. “I was just thinking about John and how it might not be a bad idea to set him up with someone. It’s not uncommon on Lapras for someone to play matchmaker for a couple, once the couple has been okayed as compatible.”
“Do you think it’ll work?” Chuck asked, leaning against the table. “He did just come out of carrying a torch for you for three and a half years.”
‘Longer than that,’ Rodney thought, but he replied “Whether or not it’ll work is iffy, I’ll agree.” He shut down his laptop. “But I have a feeling that if I pick the person and present him or her to John, then he’ll be more open to them – seeing as how I’m obviously okay with them together.”
“Good luck with that,” Chuck said with a laugh. “Let’s go get Evan and go get some dinner. I’m sure he’ll be hungry after working with the Marines.”
Rodney laughed. “Ronon will be the hungry one. Evan’s still only directing them.”
“Either way.” Chuck shrugged as they headed out.
Rodney cornered John that evening outside of the training room. “I’ve got a proposition for you.”
“Can it wait until later?” John asked. “I’m kind of in the middle of something.” He gestured to the men waiting for him inside.
“You haven’t even started yet and this will only take a second,” Rodney countered. “I want to set you up with someone.”
“No, Rodney,” John told him immediately.
“You haven’t heard me out,” Rodney pressed. He looked over John’s shoulder at the men gathering at the doorway. “I promise, I’ll be quick.”
John glanced over his shoulder and scowled at the men, who backed up a step. He grabbed Rodney’s arm and pulled him a few feet away and said, “You have one minute.”
“Okay.” Rodney let out a puff of air. “I know this whole thing will seem weird, but I’ve been thinking about it and I want to set you up with someone. It’s not uncommon for people to play matchmaker on Lapras and I thought that I could do that for you. To show you that I really am okay with you moving on and finding someone else.”
“No, Rodney,” John repeated. Rodney opened his mouth, but John repeated, “No. Now, I’ve got to get to practice.”
Rodney watched John’s retreating back with his mouth pressed into a tight line as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms across his chest. Okay, he was going to think about how else to approach this, because he wasn’t going to give up that easily. He waited until John and his men were finished. When the men filed out of the room and saw him, they smiled and a few snickered. Rodney simply nodded at them as they passed. John came out last and grimaced when he saw Rodney.
“I’m not backing down that easily, John,” Rodney told him as he fell in step with him. “You’re not the only stubborn one on this base.”
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to run this whole thing by me again,” John told him. “Why, exactly, do you want to set me up with someone?”
“Because I think it’ll be good for you. I think that while, consciously, you recognize that we are not getting back together, I think that deep down, you still want us to and are willing to wait for even the *slightest* chance. I have a feeling that if I find someone that I think would be a good match for you, your subconscious might be willing to consider them as a possible love interest because I’ve given them my approval.”
“And this makes sense to you how?” John asked with a frown.
Rodney huffed. “It just does. I may not have originally put much stock in psychology and all that nonsense, but when I was seeing Kate before my time on Lapras, she actually helped me a lot and that was something that came up a lot – how our subconscious rules a lot of what we do. And I think you may not be willing to admit it to yourself, but you need someone to care for. Now, I know how you like doing things your own way, but please let me help you with this before you self-destruct or something equally horrifying.”
John narrowed his eyes. “Rodney –” he started.
Rodney continued on. “Look, I don’t know about your planet, but on mine, best friends do things like this for each other.”
John stopped and, turning towards Rodney, put his hands on his hips. “I was under the impression that we weren’t best friends any more.”
Rodney mirrored his action, not letting himself be cowed. “Let’s face it, we both know I’m still the closest thing to a best friend you have. Look –” He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts and licked his lips nervously. “I’m not taking this lightly. I know how this could come across to other people – me doing this for you could definitely weaken your status here on Atlantis. But, honestly, I doubt you’ve ever really cared what anyone else thought as long as you were able to keep your job. And, from what I’ve heard, after the past four cycles, you can really only go up. So, what have you got to lose?”
“The last shred of dignity I might have left?” John bit out.
Rodney held up a hand with his pointer finger up. “One person. Let me set you up with one person. I promise I’ll be discreet, considerate, and judicious in choosing this person. I doubt much has changed since I left – aside from you getting a little weirder – but I still want to sit down with you to see what sort of person you would like to go out with.”
John narrowed his eyes again. “It’s nice to see that even with all of your meditation, you can still be an arrogant, imposing asshole, Rodney. One person. One date. That’s all I’m going to agree to.”
“That’s all I ask,” Rodney replied with a smug smile as he rocked back onto his heels. “I guess I’d better make the most of my time, then. Do you have time to talk now?”
“Do I have a choice?” John asked, grimacing.
“Sure. Now or later.”
“Now, then,” John replied, looking like he’d just tasted something nasty. “Let’s go back to my quarters.”
Rodney followed him, hoping that this wouldn’t blow up in his face. Once they were in John’s quarters, John sat rigidly on his bed, his hands on his knees. Rodney calmly and gracefully settled himself on the floor, sitting cross-legged, hands folded quietly in his lap.
“It’s still weird seeing you do that,” John commented, his hands clenching his knees almost imperceptibly.
“Do what?” Rodney asked, curious.
“Sit so still and quietly. It’s, like, totally opposite of what I know about you.”
“Then I guess you should start getting to know the new me,” Rodney commented. “I was serious when I said that I still want to be friends with you. I know everything that’s been going on with Chuck and Evan and the sensitivity training has thrown a wrench into that, but I was being serious.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I do want the best for you, John. I want you to be happy. I know that this may seem like an odd way of showing it, but I am trying to help you move on.”
“So, what do you need from me?” John asked, knuckles white now and voice slightly strained.
“I need you to relax first,” Rodney replied. “Take a couple of deep breaths and release the death grip you have on your knees. They’ll thank you later.” He waited while John took two, somewhat, deep breaths and eased his grip so his knuckles weren’t so white. “Okay, that’s a start. Now, start talking. Tell me what you want in someone you’d consider as a potential life-partner. And if you say me, I will smack you.”
John let out a huff and looked up at the ceiling and Rodney was certain he could see the wheels turning. “A guy,” John finally replied. “Preferably close in height – doesn’t matter which way. Dark hair – well, not blond. Good sense of humor. Not military – things may be looser here, but I still don’t want to have to worry about the whole fraternization issue right now, since things are still a little touchy after what happened with Chuck and Lorne.” He gave Rodney a weak smile. “Plus, some things are a little too ingrained.” He shrugged. “Otherwise, I’m pretty open.”
“Okay, I can work with that. Anything else? Excluding the grunts definitely raises the I.Q. level – so you’ll at least be able to have intelligent conversations. I’d say so does excluding Ronon, since he’s a giant, but does the ‘no fraternization’ include the team as well?”
“It might as well – we’d still have to be together if things didn’t work out.”
“And how would it have worked out between us, if things didn’t work out before?” Rodney asked, curious.
“I don’t know,” John replied, and Rodney could hear the honesty in his voice.
“Anything else?” Rodney asked, filing that bit of information away to consider and deal with later.
John shrugged. “I’m fairly open.”
“Okay.” Rodney stood. “But don’t get mad at me if you don’t like who I match you with, since you’ve hardly given me anything to go on. I may have to get more information out of you later, depending on how things go.”
John looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself instead, and stood as well. “Is this the part where I wish you good luck and hope for the best?”
“Pretty much. I promise I’ll do my best to find someone for you.”
“What sort of time window are you looking at for getting back to me?” John replied awkwardly.
“As soon as I can,” Rodney said as he headed to the door. “I’m going to be as thorough as I can with this, since I’m only getting one chance. Good night, John.”
“Good night, Rodney,” John replied, slightly amused, as Rodney left.
Heading back to his quarters, Rodney thought that things had gone better than he had hoped. Now he just had to hope the rest of it did as well. Stepping inside, he found Evan sitting at his desk, working on finishing something in his sketchbook.
“Hey,” Rodney said, going over to him. “What are you working on and why are you doing it here?”
“Hey,” Evan replied, looking up at Rodney with a smile as Rodney put a hand on his back, between his shoulder blades. “Just finishing something from the other day. And I’m doing it here because you have a better desk.”
“Now that it’s clean,” Rodney replied with a laugh. He bent down and kissed Evan, who groaned softly as he kissed him back.
When they pulled away, Evan said, “Chuck told me you’ve decided to set Sheppard up with someone.”
“I have and I want to talk to you about that.” Rodney sat on the edge of his desk. “Where is Chuck, by the way?”
“He just left to get his laptop and some movies. We weren’t sure where you had wandered off to or when you’d be back, so we thought we’d wait here for you.”
“Then let’s get this out of the way before he gets back. I’ve got one chance to set John up with someone. Can you think of anyone who would be a good match for him?”
“Based on what?” Evan asked, sitting back in Rodney’s chair and taking Rodney’s hand in his.
Rodney shrugged. “Based on anything. His only real qualification was not someone in the military or on his team, given everything that’s been going on and ingrained practices. And no blonds.”
“Hmm. That’s still pretty open.”
“Tell me about it. Is there anyone that you know of that he spends a lot of time with?”
Evan smirked. “Aside from me and his team? The only other people I can think of are you and Carson.”
The door opened and Chuck came in. He smiled when he saw Rodney. After dumping his things on Rodney’s bed, he came over to them and first kissed Evan, then Rodney, before leaning against Rodney’s outside and putting an arm around his back. “So, what are we talking about?” he asked before resting his chin on Rodney’s shoulder.
“Setting Sheppard up on a date,” Evan replied.
“So you did talk to him then?” Chuck asked Rodney. “And he agreed to it?”
“He agreed to one date – and that took some doing,” Rodney replied. “I was just asking Evan who John spends a lot of his time with, aside from his team.”
“You, Evan, and Carson,” Chuck said.
Both Rodney and Evan laughed and Rodney replied, “That’s what he said. So, aside from the fact that we’re both unavailable, John doesn’t want to fraternize, so that doubly leaves out Evan. And there’s no way I’m going back to him.”
“So that would leave Carson, then, it seems,” Chuck replied.
Evan thought for a moment. “It might actually be good for both of them. I know Sheppard doesn’t like showing it, but he does like caring for other people. And I’ve spent enough time in the infirmary lately to know that Carson needs someone to take care of him.”
“He does,” Chuck agreed. “I think he’s trying too hard to prove that he’s still capable enough to do his job.”
“Carson’s always been that way,” Rodney told them. “Even back on Antarctica, he was constantly trying to prove that he was good enough for the position that they put him in.” He thought about it for a moment. “But I think they’d make a good couple. They’re about even in the need category, and Carson’s strong-willed enough that he’ll be able to set good boundaries for both of them. I’ll have to talk to him tomorrow to see what he thinks about it. And I want to see what the rest of the team thinks too, especially since this has the potential to really change things for them.”
“And since it’s not tomorrow yet, why don’t we not think about John and his possible love-life and focus on ours?” Chuck asked, gently pulling Rodney off of the desk.
“That sounds like a great idea to me,” Rodney replied, tugging on Evan’s hand.
As Evan stood, he said, “We really need to get you a bigger bed.”
“No, we just need to be more creative,” Rodney replied with a devilish grin before taking Evan’s face in his hands and kissing him soundly.
The next morning, Rodney arrived in the mess hall after Teyla, Ronon, and Darby. He grinned when he noted that John was nowhere in sight and thought that this just might be easier than expected. He filled his tray with food and headed over to their table. He sat down with a smile and greeted the three of them.
“Where’s John?” he asked, hoping he sounded casual, before taking a sip of milk.
“He’s in the Jumper bay with Dr. Zelenka. He wanted to go over a few things on one of the jumpers before our mission,” Teyla replied. “He said it was nothing important – just some modifications that Radek has been working on.”
Rodney nodded. He knew that Radek had been working on improving the power efficiency in the jumpers for a while in the hopes that it would help with the hyperdrive that had been installed in one of them. “Okay, then I need to ask you all something serious without him here. And it can’t go any farther than this table.” He glared at each of them. Teyla and Darby both looked curious and Ronon wore his usual blank expression. “If you could set John up with anyone from either the scientists or the medical staff, who would it be?”
“Carson,” both Ronon and Teyla replied immediately.
“I don’t know,” Darby replied before adding, “I honestly don’t spend much time with him.”
“Seriously?” Rodney asked, looking at Ronon and Teyla.
Ronon just shrugged and Teyla replied, “They have become close since you left and I think they are well-suited for each other.”
“It’s not that I can’t believe it,” Rodney replied. “They do have a lot in common, even if they won’t admit it. I’m just surprised that you both agree as well. Chuck and Evan said the same thing last night.”
“Then what are you asking us for?” Ronon asked.
“Just wanted more opinions,” Rodney replied. “I guess four out of five people can’t be wrong.”
“What do you think, Rodney?” Teyla asked. “This decision will affect you as well.”
“I know,” Rodney replied. “And I think it will be good for both of them. I think John needs someone to take care of and I think Carson will let him, once he realizes that John’s intent is genuine, without letting John go crazy doing it.”
“But what if neither of them agree with you that it would be a good match?” Teyla continued.
“I doubt Carson will have too much of a problem. From the way it looks, he’s been nursing a crush on John for some time now. John’s the one that’ll need convincing.”
“That’s true,” Ronon agreed. “Beckett’s been looking at Sheppard like my sister used to look at her boyfriend.”
“Here comes John,” Darby warned them. “Good luck with that, Rodney.”
Rodney simply smiled as John sat down and Darby asked John about the Jumpers.
Just before lunch time, Rodney made his way down to the infirmary. He knocked on Carson’s doorframe, startling the doctor.
“How can I help you, Rodney?” Carson asked. “Are you all right.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Rodney replied. “I wanted to see if you wanted to go to lunch. But I have to ask you something before we go.”
“Lunch sounds great,” Carson replied as he checked his watch and saved his work. Lacing his hands together on the desk in front of him, he asked, “Now, what can I do for you?”
“I – um – I,” Rodney looked a little sheepish and glanced at the door while he rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly nervous. He lowered his voice as he said, “I’m trying to set John up on a date to show him that, you know, his life will go on without me as one of the major players. And I was hoping you’d consider doing it for me.”
Carson looked at Rodney incredulously. “You want me to go on a date with John?”
“Yes,” Rodney replied. “I know it’s a lot to ask and I’m willing to volunteer myself, Evan, and Chuck to ‘double’ – if you can call it that, you know, considering that we’re a triad – with the two of you to make it easier.”
“Oh, yes, I remember the last time we did that,” Carson replied sarcastically. “It was Katie Brown, myself, and you and you had Laura Cadman stuck in your head.”
“Which you had a crush on at the time – so it was kind of a double date,” Rodney returned.
“Yes, but I didn’t know it at the time how much influence she had over you! That whole evening ended up just being very weird.”
“I know, and I’ve apologized for it. This time, I promise there will be no other consciousnesses in my brain – or anyone else’s for that matter – and we’ll have a good time. I’ll even let you decide what we do, if that’ll make you feel better.”
“This is a big decision, Rodney,” Carson told him. “I haven’t dated anyone since Laura and I broke it off and with my… limitations now, I – I don’t know.”
“Okay,” Rodney replied. “But it’s only one date.” He gave Carson a wry smile. “I’m not asking you to save the world or anything. So, how about lunch?”
Carson shook his head in amusement as they stood. “You’re something else, Rodney McKay.”
John found Rodney in the labs that afternoon. “So, you really were serious last night,” he said, leaning his forearms against the table.
“What makes you think I wouldn’t be?” Rodney asked, not looking up from the parts he was soldering together.
“I don’t know – the fact that you’ve never been good at handling your own love life, and therefore would never attempt to try arranging someone else’s? And I don’t know if you’d ever be this selfless.”
“What makes you think I’m doing this purely for your benefit?” Rodney replied. “I have a better chance of you holding up your end of the bargain and leaving me alone if you’re involved with someone else.”
“That’s the Rodney I know – narcissistic as ever.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Rodney replied, putting down his tools and looking up at John. Bringing them back onto their original subject, he asked, “So, how do you know I was serious last night?”
“I have my ways,” John replied. “A little birdie told me that you’ve been asking questions.”
“It’s more likely that you’ve been asking around to see if I was serious,” Rodney countered.
“And it seems like you were. No one would give me any definite answers, but it seems like you’ve talked to all the important people in my life except for Elizabeth.”
“Yes, well, I only excluded her because I didn’t think she’d appreciate me taking up some of her valuable time with this sort of matter. Besides, things are still weird between us and I don’t want to make them weirder.”
“So, how close are you?” John asked.
“Close enough,” Rodney told him. “I have a few things to iron out first. You’ll know the specifics when it’s time.” He looked at his watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get this finished before the end of the day.”
John rolled his eyes and commented, “Ever the busy bee,” as he stood. “I’ll see you later, Rodney.”
Rodney gave both John and Carson space for the next two days. He didn’t want Carson to feel like he was being pressured into anything and John was making him antsy. Carson finally came to him with his answer.
“I’ve made my decision,” he told Rodney. “I’ll do it – but only *one* date.”
“That’s all I ask,” Rodney replied. “And I’m extremely grateful you’ve decided to agree. Have you decided what you want to do?”
“I was thinking dinner and a movie and I want the three of you involved as well. Believe me, I consider John to be a dear friend, but I’m a ball of nerves as it is just thinking about this whole thing, let alone doing it with just the two of us.”
“I understand,” Rodney replied. “Just let me know when and where.”
“Okay,” Rodney told Chuck and Evan as he set down his tray. “We’re double-dating with John and Carson on Friday. John doesn’t know who he’s going out with. And we’re having it at Chuck’s place.”
“Why my place?” Chuck asked huffily.
“Because it’s neutral territory, you have bigger quarters, and you have a kitchen,” Rodney ticked off on his fingers as he sat down.
“A kitchen-*ette*,” Chuck emphasized, still looking dubious.
“And because Rodney’s going to be making it up to us afterwards,” Evan added, giving them both a knowing look and Chuck grinned in spite of himself.
“Sometimes I wonder about you two,” Rodney replied with an exasperated shake of his head.
“So what time’s this shindig and what are you making?” Evan asked.
“It’s at seven and I don’t know what I’m making yet,” Rodney replied thoughtfully. “Definitely something simple. Maybe pasta.”
“Maybe mess will make something for you since there will be five of us,” Evan replied.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Rodney replied as he started eating. “I’ll have to ask before we leave.”
Friday morning, John pestered Rodney during their practice time. “Come on, Rodney. Why won’t you tell me anything?”
“And spoil your fun? I don’t think so,” Rodney replied as they leaned up against the wall and watched Ronon and Teyla. “Besides, this is a date, not crossing enemy lines.”
“So you say,” John replied sullenly.
“If you keep this up,” Rodney quietly told him, “I’m going to make you go on a second date – even if the first one is a horrible flaming disaster.”
“You wouldn’t,” John replied, crossing his arms.
“Try me,” Rodney replied, mirroring John’s action. “I will drag you into this kicking and screaming if I have to. I’ve seen it done on Lapras and by the end of it, the couples involved are actually some of the happiest I’ve seen.”
“How much are you willing to bet on that?”
“As much as it takes.”
“Back to the Future III serious?”
“Yes.”
John looked at Rodney, shocked. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
“Okay. If this date doesn’t go horribly, horribly wrong, you’ll go on another date without any complaint. If it does go horribly wrong, you can complain, I’ll watch whatever you want, and you two will try again. And we’ll keep doing this until this relationship comes to a natural conclusion that isn’t based on one bad date.”
“And you’re sure this is the way it’s done on Lapras?”
Rodney shrugged. “Not quite, but an exact translation wouldn’t have worked.”
“Why not?”
“First off, the two of you would have to be cleared by the Lapran healer as being genetically compatible before you were given the go ahead to start dating each other.”
“I thought you said they were a primitive society.”
“They are. That doesn’t mean they’re stupid. They have a surprisingly accurate knowledge of themselves and their world.”
“Wow, Rodney. Are you actually conceding that people can know things about the world around them without being geniuses?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that most people do, but these people definitely have a certain amount of genius to them. You saw them and the conditions they’re forced to deal with on a daily basis. And that wasn’t including the sandstorms they have during most of the year. It’s *amazing*.” As Teyla and Ronon finished up, Rodney pulling them back on-topic, by saying, “Remember – be at Chuck’s quarters at seven pm sharp tonight. If you try to weasel out of it, I will find you.”
“You’re evil, Rodney,” John muttered.
“Think what you want of me, but I know you’ll thank me in the end.”
That evening, Rodney was a mess. He’d picked up dinner from the mess hall with no problem. The staff had been surprisingly helpful when he’d gone to them on Wednesday and asked about getting food for a dinner party of five. He ended up leaving the mess hall with two sizeable coolers. He was fairly certain all five of them would be able to eat for a week with what was inside.
When he entered Chuck’s quarters, his lovers were waiting for him. “We’ll get these set up while you get ready,” Evan told him as they took the coolers from him and kissed him on his cheeks.
Rodney looked around Chuck’s normally tidy quarters to find everything was immaculate and the table was already set. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know where the table settings had come from or the large screen monitor that had been set up on a dresser against one wall and hooked up to Chuck’s laptop. “Do I –?” he started.
“Get going,” Chuck told him. “Your stuff’s waiting for you in the bathroom. You’ve got twenty minutes.” He opened one of the coolers.
Rodney squeaked and headed for the bathroom. He quickly showered and dressed, mentally complimenting whoever had picked out his clothes. After a quick check in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable, Rodney headed out into the main room. “Thanks for doing this, guys,” he said. “Wow, that’s quite a spread,” he blurted out when he saw the amount of food containers they were sitting on the table and Chuck’s desk. He smoothed out his shirt. “Do I look okay?” he asked them nervously.
Chuck and Evan stared at him for a moment before starting to laugh.
“What?” Rodney barked.
“Nothing,” Chuck replied with an amused shake of his head. “It’s just,” he started laughing again. “You’re asking if you look all right and you’re not the one going on the date.”
“It’s more of a ‘since when have you cared about how you look’ sort of laugh,” Evan amended, pausing to kiss Rodney quickly on the lips.
“Well, true,” Rodney replied. “But… still. I want this to go as perfectly as possible for John and Carson. And I consider me not being an eyesore to be a part of that equation.”
Chuck and Evan chuckled again as the door chimed. Chuck thought the door open and it slid open to reveal both Carson and John, who was looking around dubiously.
“Good evening and welcome,” Rodney greeted them formally, as he headed towards the door and they entered. “We are your humble hosts for this evening.”
“Cut that out,” Chuck told him, swatting Rodney on his lower back and gave Carson and John a warm smile. “Make yourselves at home,” he told them. “Can I get either of you something to drink? We have water, coffee, tea, and some of the Athosian fruit punch.”
“Some punch would be lovely,” Carson replied, following Chuck to where the beverages had been set up. “Hello, Rodney. Evan,” he said as he passed them and they both greeted him in return, Evan looking up from where he was starting to take the covers off the food dishes.
“*Carson*?” John said quietly to Rodney, his voice with a bit of an edge to it.
“What about him?” Rodney replied, part feigned innocence and part curiosity.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Rodney,” John told him.
Rodney shrugged. “Based on the empirical data at hand, he is, by and far, the wisest choice and best match for you.”
John shook his head. “I don’t know who you’re trying to have more pity on – me or him.”
“Pity?” Rodney asked incredulously. His tone turned defiant as he continued, “You’ve never had my pity, John Sheppard. And as for Carson – this isn’t a pity date for him either, since he can still kick your ass. I honestly thought you knew me better than that. Like I said – we’re going to do this if I have to drag you through it kicking and screaming and you’re not allowed to bail after the first date.” He smiled. “So, can I get you a drink?”
“Only if you have something stronger than that punch.”
“We don’t serve alcohol until the third date, Colonel,” Rodney replied with a smirk.
“Ha ha, very funny, McKay,” John replied dryly. “So what’s the set up for tonight?”
“If the two of you are finished your little tête-à-tête,” Evan said, coming over to them, “we’re going to start dinner before things get cold.”
“We’re finished,” Rodney told him as they headed to the table, John following behind them.
Evan easily directed everyone to a seat and made sure they all had drinks. John was sitting at one end of the table, with Carson on his right and Rodney on his left. Evan was next to him and Chuck was at the other end of the table.
“Please, eat,” Chuck told them. “We told the mess hall this was for five and they gave us all this. I don’t want to be eating leftovers for the next six weeks.”
The men did as they were told and started passing around containers of meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and salad. They were quiet as they ate. Rodney glanced nervously between John and Carson as he shoveled food into his mouth.
“Slow down,” Evan whispered in his ear. “You inhaling your food and staring at them isn’t going to help anything.”
“I know,” Rodney replied in a sullen whisper. “I just want it to work.”
“We all do,” Evan told him. “But chill out.”
Chuck and Evan glanced at each other and took matters into their own hands and started a conversation. Both Carson and John relaxed a little as they talked and Rodney was surprised that neither Evan nor John mentioned work-related stuff. But he did notice that John and Carson weren’t really talking to each other. They did, but only in small bits, doing most of their talking with Chuck, Evan, and Rodney.
Rodney kicked John in the shin and when John glared at him, he mouthed, “Talk to him!” and glared pointedly at Carson, who was talking with Chuck.
John narrowed his eyes. “About what?” he mouthed back.
Rodney shrugged. “Don’t know, don’t care!” he mouthed before rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighing. This was going to be a disaster and they hadn’t even reached dessert yet.
“Are you all right, Rodney?” Carson asked, concerned.
“Just peachy,” Rodney replied, giving Carson a reassuring smile. “What are our movie options?” he asked Chuck, knowing full well most of Chuck’s extensive library.
Chuck shrugged. “I’ve got a wide variety. So I’d say we let our guests pick.”
That seemed to do the trick. Carson and John began talking movies, every once in a while getting confirmation from Chuck that he had something. Rodney was surprised when they agreed on the original Batman, but from the way John and Carson smiled at each other, he could tell that it had some sort of meaning for them.
After a decadent fudge brownie for dessert, the group split up. Evan and John went to set up the movie as Chuck, Rodney, and Carson cleaned up the food, setting some leftovers aside for each of them for the next day. While they worked, Rodney tried to get out of Carson how he felt things were going but Carson was frustratingly mum and only said that he’d let Rodney know after the night was over.
As they all sat down, John commented, “Chuck, do I want to know how you came to possess all this furniture?”
“The better question is how I got it all in here,” Chuck replied with a laugh as he settled in between Evan and Rodney and Carson sat next to John. “I owe a lot of favors.” He dimmed the lights and started the movie. “Let’s get this movie started.”
Rodney watched John and Carson almost as much as he watched the movie. They seemed to be fairing better during the movie than during dinner, though he was sure that was because they weren’t the center of attention. A few times Rodney caught them whispering and smiling at each other during the movie and while they sat close, they were careful to not touch each other.
By the end of the movie, Rodney was feeling a little antsy. He wanted to know what was going on between Carson and John and he wanted to know now. While the credits rolled, Chuck stopped the movie and turned the lights back up and everyone stood and stretched.
As Chuck moved away to turn off the equipment, Evan moved in and put his arm around Rodney’s waist. “Don’t even think about it,” he murmured in Rodney’s ear.
“Think about what?” Rodney asked innocently.
“You know what I’m talking about,” Evan replied. “You can rehash things with them tomorrow. Besides, you know John’s going to walk Carson home.”
Rodney really hadn’t thought of that. “Okay, you have a point,” he replied.
Carson yawned and said, “I’ve got a long day tomorrow, so I best be going. Thank you all for a lovely evening.”
“I’ll go with you, Doc,” John told him nonchalantly, but in a tone that brooked no argument.
Evan, Chuck, and Rodney walked them to the door and Chuck handed over two containers of food for them as they all said their good-nights.
Once the two men had left, Evan commented, “Tonight went rather well, I thought.”
“No one died or was injured and everyone got along. I’d definitely say it was a success,” Chuck agreed.
Rodney huffed. “I guess I can agree it was a success.”
“Thank you,” Chuck replied as he advanced on Rodney with a lusty grin. “About how you can make this up to us….”
Continue to Part 30
The complete header can be found in part 1.
Previous parts can be found here.
The next few days felt anti-climatic for Rodney. Chuck and Evan settled back into their routines easily enough, and Chuck had no problems being alone in his quarters. And John and Carson, along with Radek from time to time, had been busy with the sensitivity training, as well as making up a program for the new recruits. But, all in all, Rodney was happy that things were returning to normal.
One thought niggled at the back of his mind through all of this – maybe he should find someone for John. He’d run the whole idea by John, of course, but Rodney couldn’t help thinking that if he chose someone for John, then maybe John would be more receptive to them, and would make that final step in moving away from keeping Rodney as his romantic ideal. Granted, the whole thing could blow up in Rodney’s face, but he was willing to take that risk if he could ultimately help John be happy.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Chuck said, sidling up to Rodney’s table.
Rodney smiled at him. “I was just thinking about John and how it might not be a bad idea to set him up with someone. It’s not uncommon on Lapras for someone to play matchmaker for a couple, once the couple has been okayed as compatible.”
“Do you think it’ll work?” Chuck asked, leaning against the table. “He did just come out of carrying a torch for you for three and a half years.”
‘Longer than that,’ Rodney thought, but he replied “Whether or not it’ll work is iffy, I’ll agree.” He shut down his laptop. “But I have a feeling that if I pick the person and present him or her to John, then he’ll be more open to them – seeing as how I’m obviously okay with them together.”
“Good luck with that,” Chuck said with a laugh. “Let’s go get Evan and go get some dinner. I’m sure he’ll be hungry after working with the Marines.”
Rodney laughed. “Ronon will be the hungry one. Evan’s still only directing them.”
“Either way.” Chuck shrugged as they headed out.
Rodney cornered John that evening outside of the training room. “I’ve got a proposition for you.”
“Can it wait until later?” John asked. “I’m kind of in the middle of something.” He gestured to the men waiting for him inside.
“You haven’t even started yet and this will only take a second,” Rodney countered. “I want to set you up with someone.”
“No, Rodney,” John told him immediately.
“You haven’t heard me out,” Rodney pressed. He looked over John’s shoulder at the men gathering at the doorway. “I promise, I’ll be quick.”
John glanced over his shoulder and scowled at the men, who backed up a step. He grabbed Rodney’s arm and pulled him a few feet away and said, “You have one minute.”
“Okay.” Rodney let out a puff of air. “I know this whole thing will seem weird, but I’ve been thinking about it and I want to set you up with someone. It’s not uncommon for people to play matchmaker on Lapras and I thought that I could do that for you. To show you that I really am okay with you moving on and finding someone else.”
“No, Rodney,” John repeated. Rodney opened his mouth, but John repeated, “No. Now, I’ve got to get to practice.”
Rodney watched John’s retreating back with his mouth pressed into a tight line as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms across his chest. Okay, he was going to think about how else to approach this, because he wasn’t going to give up that easily. He waited until John and his men were finished. When the men filed out of the room and saw him, they smiled and a few snickered. Rodney simply nodded at them as they passed. John came out last and grimaced when he saw Rodney.
“I’m not backing down that easily, John,” Rodney told him as he fell in step with him. “You’re not the only stubborn one on this base.”
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to run this whole thing by me again,” John told him. “Why, exactly, do you want to set me up with someone?”
“Because I think it’ll be good for you. I think that while, consciously, you recognize that we are not getting back together, I think that deep down, you still want us to and are willing to wait for even the *slightest* chance. I have a feeling that if I find someone that I think would be a good match for you, your subconscious might be willing to consider them as a possible love interest because I’ve given them my approval.”
“And this makes sense to you how?” John asked with a frown.
Rodney huffed. “It just does. I may not have originally put much stock in psychology and all that nonsense, but when I was seeing Kate before my time on Lapras, she actually helped me a lot and that was something that came up a lot – how our subconscious rules a lot of what we do. And I think you may not be willing to admit it to yourself, but you need someone to care for. Now, I know how you like doing things your own way, but please let me help you with this before you self-destruct or something equally horrifying.”
John narrowed his eyes. “Rodney –” he started.
Rodney continued on. “Look, I don’t know about your planet, but on mine, best friends do things like this for each other.”
John stopped and, turning towards Rodney, put his hands on his hips. “I was under the impression that we weren’t best friends any more.”
Rodney mirrored his action, not letting himself be cowed. “Let’s face it, we both know I’m still the closest thing to a best friend you have. Look –” He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts and licked his lips nervously. “I’m not taking this lightly. I know how this could come across to other people – me doing this for you could definitely weaken your status here on Atlantis. But, honestly, I doubt you’ve ever really cared what anyone else thought as long as you were able to keep your job. And, from what I’ve heard, after the past four cycles, you can really only go up. So, what have you got to lose?”
“The last shred of dignity I might have left?” John bit out.
Rodney held up a hand with his pointer finger up. “One person. Let me set you up with one person. I promise I’ll be discreet, considerate, and judicious in choosing this person. I doubt much has changed since I left – aside from you getting a little weirder – but I still want to sit down with you to see what sort of person you would like to go out with.”
John narrowed his eyes again. “It’s nice to see that even with all of your meditation, you can still be an arrogant, imposing asshole, Rodney. One person. One date. That’s all I’m going to agree to.”
“That’s all I ask,” Rodney replied with a smug smile as he rocked back onto his heels. “I guess I’d better make the most of my time, then. Do you have time to talk now?”
“Do I have a choice?” John asked, grimacing.
“Sure. Now or later.”
“Now, then,” John replied, looking like he’d just tasted something nasty. “Let’s go back to my quarters.”
Rodney followed him, hoping that this wouldn’t blow up in his face. Once they were in John’s quarters, John sat rigidly on his bed, his hands on his knees. Rodney calmly and gracefully settled himself on the floor, sitting cross-legged, hands folded quietly in his lap.
“It’s still weird seeing you do that,” John commented, his hands clenching his knees almost imperceptibly.
“Do what?” Rodney asked, curious.
“Sit so still and quietly. It’s, like, totally opposite of what I know about you.”
“Then I guess you should start getting to know the new me,” Rodney commented. “I was serious when I said that I still want to be friends with you. I know everything that’s been going on with Chuck and Evan and the sensitivity training has thrown a wrench into that, but I was being serious.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I do want the best for you, John. I want you to be happy. I know that this may seem like an odd way of showing it, but I am trying to help you move on.”
“So, what do you need from me?” John asked, knuckles white now and voice slightly strained.
“I need you to relax first,” Rodney replied. “Take a couple of deep breaths and release the death grip you have on your knees. They’ll thank you later.” He waited while John took two, somewhat, deep breaths and eased his grip so his knuckles weren’t so white. “Okay, that’s a start. Now, start talking. Tell me what you want in someone you’d consider as a potential life-partner. And if you say me, I will smack you.”
John let out a huff and looked up at the ceiling and Rodney was certain he could see the wheels turning. “A guy,” John finally replied. “Preferably close in height – doesn’t matter which way. Dark hair – well, not blond. Good sense of humor. Not military – things may be looser here, but I still don’t want to have to worry about the whole fraternization issue right now, since things are still a little touchy after what happened with Chuck and Lorne.” He gave Rodney a weak smile. “Plus, some things are a little too ingrained.” He shrugged. “Otherwise, I’m pretty open.”
“Okay, I can work with that. Anything else? Excluding the grunts definitely raises the I.Q. level – so you’ll at least be able to have intelligent conversations. I’d say so does excluding Ronon, since he’s a giant, but does the ‘no fraternization’ include the team as well?”
“It might as well – we’d still have to be together if things didn’t work out.”
“And how would it have worked out between us, if things didn’t work out before?” Rodney asked, curious.
“I don’t know,” John replied, and Rodney could hear the honesty in his voice.
“Anything else?” Rodney asked, filing that bit of information away to consider and deal with later.
John shrugged. “I’m fairly open.”
“Okay.” Rodney stood. “But don’t get mad at me if you don’t like who I match you with, since you’ve hardly given me anything to go on. I may have to get more information out of you later, depending on how things go.”
John looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself instead, and stood as well. “Is this the part where I wish you good luck and hope for the best?”
“Pretty much. I promise I’ll do my best to find someone for you.”
“What sort of time window are you looking at for getting back to me?” John replied awkwardly.
“As soon as I can,” Rodney said as he headed to the door. “I’m going to be as thorough as I can with this, since I’m only getting one chance. Good night, John.”
“Good night, Rodney,” John replied, slightly amused, as Rodney left.
Heading back to his quarters, Rodney thought that things had gone better than he had hoped. Now he just had to hope the rest of it did as well. Stepping inside, he found Evan sitting at his desk, working on finishing something in his sketchbook.
“Hey,” Rodney said, going over to him. “What are you working on and why are you doing it here?”
“Hey,” Evan replied, looking up at Rodney with a smile as Rodney put a hand on his back, between his shoulder blades. “Just finishing something from the other day. And I’m doing it here because you have a better desk.”
“Now that it’s clean,” Rodney replied with a laugh. He bent down and kissed Evan, who groaned softly as he kissed him back.
When they pulled away, Evan said, “Chuck told me you’ve decided to set Sheppard up with someone.”
“I have and I want to talk to you about that.” Rodney sat on the edge of his desk. “Where is Chuck, by the way?”
“He just left to get his laptop and some movies. We weren’t sure where you had wandered off to or when you’d be back, so we thought we’d wait here for you.”
“Then let’s get this out of the way before he gets back. I’ve got one chance to set John up with someone. Can you think of anyone who would be a good match for him?”
“Based on what?” Evan asked, sitting back in Rodney’s chair and taking Rodney’s hand in his.
Rodney shrugged. “Based on anything. His only real qualification was not someone in the military or on his team, given everything that’s been going on and ingrained practices. And no blonds.”
“Hmm. That’s still pretty open.”
“Tell me about it. Is there anyone that you know of that he spends a lot of time with?”
Evan smirked. “Aside from me and his team? The only other people I can think of are you and Carson.”
The door opened and Chuck came in. He smiled when he saw Rodney. After dumping his things on Rodney’s bed, he came over to them and first kissed Evan, then Rodney, before leaning against Rodney’s outside and putting an arm around his back. “So, what are we talking about?” he asked before resting his chin on Rodney’s shoulder.
“Setting Sheppard up on a date,” Evan replied.
“So you did talk to him then?” Chuck asked Rodney. “And he agreed to it?”
“He agreed to one date – and that took some doing,” Rodney replied. “I was just asking Evan who John spends a lot of his time with, aside from his team.”
“You, Evan, and Carson,” Chuck said.
Both Rodney and Evan laughed and Rodney replied, “That’s what he said. So, aside from the fact that we’re both unavailable, John doesn’t want to fraternize, so that doubly leaves out Evan. And there’s no way I’m going back to him.”
“So that would leave Carson, then, it seems,” Chuck replied.
Evan thought for a moment. “It might actually be good for both of them. I know Sheppard doesn’t like showing it, but he does like caring for other people. And I’ve spent enough time in the infirmary lately to know that Carson needs someone to take care of him.”
“He does,” Chuck agreed. “I think he’s trying too hard to prove that he’s still capable enough to do his job.”
“Carson’s always been that way,” Rodney told them. “Even back on Antarctica, he was constantly trying to prove that he was good enough for the position that they put him in.” He thought about it for a moment. “But I think they’d make a good couple. They’re about even in the need category, and Carson’s strong-willed enough that he’ll be able to set good boundaries for both of them. I’ll have to talk to him tomorrow to see what he thinks about it. And I want to see what the rest of the team thinks too, especially since this has the potential to really change things for them.”
“And since it’s not tomorrow yet, why don’t we not think about John and his possible love-life and focus on ours?” Chuck asked, gently pulling Rodney off of the desk.
“That sounds like a great idea to me,” Rodney replied, tugging on Evan’s hand.
As Evan stood, he said, “We really need to get you a bigger bed.”
“No, we just need to be more creative,” Rodney replied with a devilish grin before taking Evan’s face in his hands and kissing him soundly.
The next morning, Rodney arrived in the mess hall after Teyla, Ronon, and Darby. He grinned when he noted that John was nowhere in sight and thought that this just might be easier than expected. He filled his tray with food and headed over to their table. He sat down with a smile and greeted the three of them.
“Where’s John?” he asked, hoping he sounded casual, before taking a sip of milk.
“He’s in the Jumper bay with Dr. Zelenka. He wanted to go over a few things on one of the jumpers before our mission,” Teyla replied. “He said it was nothing important – just some modifications that Radek has been working on.”
Rodney nodded. He knew that Radek had been working on improving the power efficiency in the jumpers for a while in the hopes that it would help with the hyperdrive that had been installed in one of them. “Okay, then I need to ask you all something serious without him here. And it can’t go any farther than this table.” He glared at each of them. Teyla and Darby both looked curious and Ronon wore his usual blank expression. “If you could set John up with anyone from either the scientists or the medical staff, who would it be?”
“Carson,” both Ronon and Teyla replied immediately.
“I don’t know,” Darby replied before adding, “I honestly don’t spend much time with him.”
“Seriously?” Rodney asked, looking at Ronon and Teyla.
Ronon just shrugged and Teyla replied, “They have become close since you left and I think they are well-suited for each other.”
“It’s not that I can’t believe it,” Rodney replied. “They do have a lot in common, even if they won’t admit it. I’m just surprised that you both agree as well. Chuck and Evan said the same thing last night.”
“Then what are you asking us for?” Ronon asked.
“Just wanted more opinions,” Rodney replied. “I guess four out of five people can’t be wrong.”
“What do you think, Rodney?” Teyla asked. “This decision will affect you as well.”
“I know,” Rodney replied. “And I think it will be good for both of them. I think John needs someone to take care of and I think Carson will let him, once he realizes that John’s intent is genuine, without letting John go crazy doing it.”
“But what if neither of them agree with you that it would be a good match?” Teyla continued.
“I doubt Carson will have too much of a problem. From the way it looks, he’s been nursing a crush on John for some time now. John’s the one that’ll need convincing.”
“That’s true,” Ronon agreed. “Beckett’s been looking at Sheppard like my sister used to look at her boyfriend.”
“Here comes John,” Darby warned them. “Good luck with that, Rodney.”
Rodney simply smiled as John sat down and Darby asked John about the Jumpers.
Just before lunch time, Rodney made his way down to the infirmary. He knocked on Carson’s doorframe, startling the doctor.
“How can I help you, Rodney?” Carson asked. “Are you all right.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Rodney replied. “I wanted to see if you wanted to go to lunch. But I have to ask you something before we go.”
“Lunch sounds great,” Carson replied as he checked his watch and saved his work. Lacing his hands together on the desk in front of him, he asked, “Now, what can I do for you?”
“I – um – I,” Rodney looked a little sheepish and glanced at the door while he rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly nervous. He lowered his voice as he said, “I’m trying to set John up on a date to show him that, you know, his life will go on without me as one of the major players. And I was hoping you’d consider doing it for me.”
Carson looked at Rodney incredulously. “You want me to go on a date with John?”
“Yes,” Rodney replied. “I know it’s a lot to ask and I’m willing to volunteer myself, Evan, and Chuck to ‘double’ – if you can call it that, you know, considering that we’re a triad – with the two of you to make it easier.”
“Oh, yes, I remember the last time we did that,” Carson replied sarcastically. “It was Katie Brown, myself, and you and you had Laura Cadman stuck in your head.”
“Which you had a crush on at the time – so it was kind of a double date,” Rodney returned.
“Yes, but I didn’t know it at the time how much influence she had over you! That whole evening ended up just being very weird.”
“I know, and I’ve apologized for it. This time, I promise there will be no other consciousnesses in my brain – or anyone else’s for that matter – and we’ll have a good time. I’ll even let you decide what we do, if that’ll make you feel better.”
“This is a big decision, Rodney,” Carson told him. “I haven’t dated anyone since Laura and I broke it off and with my… limitations now, I – I don’t know.”
“Okay,” Rodney replied. “But it’s only one date.” He gave Carson a wry smile. “I’m not asking you to save the world or anything. So, how about lunch?”
Carson shook his head in amusement as they stood. “You’re something else, Rodney McKay.”
John found Rodney in the labs that afternoon. “So, you really were serious last night,” he said, leaning his forearms against the table.
“What makes you think I wouldn’t be?” Rodney asked, not looking up from the parts he was soldering together.
“I don’t know – the fact that you’ve never been good at handling your own love life, and therefore would never attempt to try arranging someone else’s? And I don’t know if you’d ever be this selfless.”
“What makes you think I’m doing this purely for your benefit?” Rodney replied. “I have a better chance of you holding up your end of the bargain and leaving me alone if you’re involved with someone else.”
“That’s the Rodney I know – narcissistic as ever.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Rodney replied, putting down his tools and looking up at John. Bringing them back onto their original subject, he asked, “So, how do you know I was serious last night?”
“I have my ways,” John replied. “A little birdie told me that you’ve been asking questions.”
“It’s more likely that you’ve been asking around to see if I was serious,” Rodney countered.
“And it seems like you were. No one would give me any definite answers, but it seems like you’ve talked to all the important people in my life except for Elizabeth.”
“Yes, well, I only excluded her because I didn’t think she’d appreciate me taking up some of her valuable time with this sort of matter. Besides, things are still weird between us and I don’t want to make them weirder.”
“So, how close are you?” John asked.
“Close enough,” Rodney told him. “I have a few things to iron out first. You’ll know the specifics when it’s time.” He looked at his watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get this finished before the end of the day.”
John rolled his eyes and commented, “Ever the busy bee,” as he stood. “I’ll see you later, Rodney.”
Rodney gave both John and Carson space for the next two days. He didn’t want Carson to feel like he was being pressured into anything and John was making him antsy. Carson finally came to him with his answer.
“I’ve made my decision,” he told Rodney. “I’ll do it – but only *one* date.”
“That’s all I ask,” Rodney replied. “And I’m extremely grateful you’ve decided to agree. Have you decided what you want to do?”
“I was thinking dinner and a movie and I want the three of you involved as well. Believe me, I consider John to be a dear friend, but I’m a ball of nerves as it is just thinking about this whole thing, let alone doing it with just the two of us.”
“I understand,” Rodney replied. “Just let me know when and where.”
“Okay,” Rodney told Chuck and Evan as he set down his tray. “We’re double-dating with John and Carson on Friday. John doesn’t know who he’s going out with. And we’re having it at Chuck’s place.”
“Why my place?” Chuck asked huffily.
“Because it’s neutral territory, you have bigger quarters, and you have a kitchen,” Rodney ticked off on his fingers as he sat down.
“A kitchen-*ette*,” Chuck emphasized, still looking dubious.
“And because Rodney’s going to be making it up to us afterwards,” Evan added, giving them both a knowing look and Chuck grinned in spite of himself.
“Sometimes I wonder about you two,” Rodney replied with an exasperated shake of his head.
“So what time’s this shindig and what are you making?” Evan asked.
“It’s at seven and I don’t know what I’m making yet,” Rodney replied thoughtfully. “Definitely something simple. Maybe pasta.”
“Maybe mess will make something for you since there will be five of us,” Evan replied.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Rodney replied as he started eating. “I’ll have to ask before we leave.”
Friday morning, John pestered Rodney during their practice time. “Come on, Rodney. Why won’t you tell me anything?”
“And spoil your fun? I don’t think so,” Rodney replied as they leaned up against the wall and watched Ronon and Teyla. “Besides, this is a date, not crossing enemy lines.”
“So you say,” John replied sullenly.
“If you keep this up,” Rodney quietly told him, “I’m going to make you go on a second date – even if the first one is a horrible flaming disaster.”
“You wouldn’t,” John replied, crossing his arms.
“Try me,” Rodney replied, mirroring John’s action. “I will drag you into this kicking and screaming if I have to. I’ve seen it done on Lapras and by the end of it, the couples involved are actually some of the happiest I’ve seen.”
“How much are you willing to bet on that?”
“As much as it takes.”
“Back to the Future III serious?”
“Yes.”
John looked at Rodney, shocked. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
“Okay. If this date doesn’t go horribly, horribly wrong, you’ll go on another date without any complaint. If it does go horribly wrong, you can complain, I’ll watch whatever you want, and you two will try again. And we’ll keep doing this until this relationship comes to a natural conclusion that isn’t based on one bad date.”
“And you’re sure this is the way it’s done on Lapras?”
Rodney shrugged. “Not quite, but an exact translation wouldn’t have worked.”
“Why not?”
“First off, the two of you would have to be cleared by the Lapran healer as being genetically compatible before you were given the go ahead to start dating each other.”
“I thought you said they were a primitive society.”
“They are. That doesn’t mean they’re stupid. They have a surprisingly accurate knowledge of themselves and their world.”
“Wow, Rodney. Are you actually conceding that people can know things about the world around them without being geniuses?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that most people do, but these people definitely have a certain amount of genius to them. You saw them and the conditions they’re forced to deal with on a daily basis. And that wasn’t including the sandstorms they have during most of the year. It’s *amazing*.” As Teyla and Ronon finished up, Rodney pulling them back on-topic, by saying, “Remember – be at Chuck’s quarters at seven pm sharp tonight. If you try to weasel out of it, I will find you.”
“You’re evil, Rodney,” John muttered.
“Think what you want of me, but I know you’ll thank me in the end.”
That evening, Rodney was a mess. He’d picked up dinner from the mess hall with no problem. The staff had been surprisingly helpful when he’d gone to them on Wednesday and asked about getting food for a dinner party of five. He ended up leaving the mess hall with two sizeable coolers. He was fairly certain all five of them would be able to eat for a week with what was inside.
When he entered Chuck’s quarters, his lovers were waiting for him. “We’ll get these set up while you get ready,” Evan told him as they took the coolers from him and kissed him on his cheeks.
Rodney looked around Chuck’s normally tidy quarters to find everything was immaculate and the table was already set. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know where the table settings had come from or the large screen monitor that had been set up on a dresser against one wall and hooked up to Chuck’s laptop. “Do I –?” he started.
“Get going,” Chuck told him. “Your stuff’s waiting for you in the bathroom. You’ve got twenty minutes.” He opened one of the coolers.
Rodney squeaked and headed for the bathroom. He quickly showered and dressed, mentally complimenting whoever had picked out his clothes. After a quick check in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable, Rodney headed out into the main room. “Thanks for doing this, guys,” he said. “Wow, that’s quite a spread,” he blurted out when he saw the amount of food containers they were sitting on the table and Chuck’s desk. He smoothed out his shirt. “Do I look okay?” he asked them nervously.
Chuck and Evan stared at him for a moment before starting to laugh.
“What?” Rodney barked.
“Nothing,” Chuck replied with an amused shake of his head. “It’s just,” he started laughing again. “You’re asking if you look all right and you’re not the one going on the date.”
“It’s more of a ‘since when have you cared about how you look’ sort of laugh,” Evan amended, pausing to kiss Rodney quickly on the lips.
“Well, true,” Rodney replied. “But… still. I want this to go as perfectly as possible for John and Carson. And I consider me not being an eyesore to be a part of that equation.”
Chuck and Evan chuckled again as the door chimed. Chuck thought the door open and it slid open to reveal both Carson and John, who was looking around dubiously.
“Good evening and welcome,” Rodney greeted them formally, as he headed towards the door and they entered. “We are your humble hosts for this evening.”
“Cut that out,” Chuck told him, swatting Rodney on his lower back and gave Carson and John a warm smile. “Make yourselves at home,” he told them. “Can I get either of you something to drink? We have water, coffee, tea, and some of the Athosian fruit punch.”
“Some punch would be lovely,” Carson replied, following Chuck to where the beverages had been set up. “Hello, Rodney. Evan,” he said as he passed them and they both greeted him in return, Evan looking up from where he was starting to take the covers off the food dishes.
“*Carson*?” John said quietly to Rodney, his voice with a bit of an edge to it.
“What about him?” Rodney replied, part feigned innocence and part curiosity.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Rodney,” John told him.
Rodney shrugged. “Based on the empirical data at hand, he is, by and far, the wisest choice and best match for you.”
John shook his head. “I don’t know who you’re trying to have more pity on – me or him.”
“Pity?” Rodney asked incredulously. His tone turned defiant as he continued, “You’ve never had my pity, John Sheppard. And as for Carson – this isn’t a pity date for him either, since he can still kick your ass. I honestly thought you knew me better than that. Like I said – we’re going to do this if I have to drag you through it kicking and screaming and you’re not allowed to bail after the first date.” He smiled. “So, can I get you a drink?”
“Only if you have something stronger than that punch.”
“We don’t serve alcohol until the third date, Colonel,” Rodney replied with a smirk.
“Ha ha, very funny, McKay,” John replied dryly. “So what’s the set up for tonight?”
“If the two of you are finished your little tête-à-tête,” Evan said, coming over to them, “we’re going to start dinner before things get cold.”
“We’re finished,” Rodney told him as they headed to the table, John following behind them.
Evan easily directed everyone to a seat and made sure they all had drinks. John was sitting at one end of the table, with Carson on his right and Rodney on his left. Evan was next to him and Chuck was at the other end of the table.
“Please, eat,” Chuck told them. “We told the mess hall this was for five and they gave us all this. I don’t want to be eating leftovers for the next six weeks.”
The men did as they were told and started passing around containers of meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and salad. They were quiet as they ate. Rodney glanced nervously between John and Carson as he shoveled food into his mouth.
“Slow down,” Evan whispered in his ear. “You inhaling your food and staring at them isn’t going to help anything.”
“I know,” Rodney replied in a sullen whisper. “I just want it to work.”
“We all do,” Evan told him. “But chill out.”
Chuck and Evan glanced at each other and took matters into their own hands and started a conversation. Both Carson and John relaxed a little as they talked and Rodney was surprised that neither Evan nor John mentioned work-related stuff. But he did notice that John and Carson weren’t really talking to each other. They did, but only in small bits, doing most of their talking with Chuck, Evan, and Rodney.
Rodney kicked John in the shin and when John glared at him, he mouthed, “Talk to him!” and glared pointedly at Carson, who was talking with Chuck.
John narrowed his eyes. “About what?” he mouthed back.
Rodney shrugged. “Don’t know, don’t care!” he mouthed before rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighing. This was going to be a disaster and they hadn’t even reached dessert yet.
“Are you all right, Rodney?” Carson asked, concerned.
“Just peachy,” Rodney replied, giving Carson a reassuring smile. “What are our movie options?” he asked Chuck, knowing full well most of Chuck’s extensive library.
Chuck shrugged. “I’ve got a wide variety. So I’d say we let our guests pick.”
That seemed to do the trick. Carson and John began talking movies, every once in a while getting confirmation from Chuck that he had something. Rodney was surprised when they agreed on the original Batman, but from the way John and Carson smiled at each other, he could tell that it had some sort of meaning for them.
After a decadent fudge brownie for dessert, the group split up. Evan and John went to set up the movie as Chuck, Rodney, and Carson cleaned up the food, setting some leftovers aside for each of them for the next day. While they worked, Rodney tried to get out of Carson how he felt things were going but Carson was frustratingly mum and only said that he’d let Rodney know after the night was over.
As they all sat down, John commented, “Chuck, do I want to know how you came to possess all this furniture?”
“The better question is how I got it all in here,” Chuck replied with a laugh as he settled in between Evan and Rodney and Carson sat next to John. “I owe a lot of favors.” He dimmed the lights and started the movie. “Let’s get this movie started.”
Rodney watched John and Carson almost as much as he watched the movie. They seemed to be fairing better during the movie than during dinner, though he was sure that was because they weren’t the center of attention. A few times Rodney caught them whispering and smiling at each other during the movie and while they sat close, they were careful to not touch each other.
By the end of the movie, Rodney was feeling a little antsy. He wanted to know what was going on between Carson and John and he wanted to know now. While the credits rolled, Chuck stopped the movie and turned the lights back up and everyone stood and stretched.
As Chuck moved away to turn off the equipment, Evan moved in and put his arm around Rodney’s waist. “Don’t even think about it,” he murmured in Rodney’s ear.
“Think about what?” Rodney asked innocently.
“You know what I’m talking about,” Evan replied. “You can rehash things with them tomorrow. Besides, you know John’s going to walk Carson home.”
Rodney really hadn’t thought of that. “Okay, you have a point,” he replied.
Carson yawned and said, “I’ve got a long day tomorrow, so I best be going. Thank you all for a lovely evening.”
“I’ll go with you, Doc,” John told him nonchalantly, but in a tone that brooked no argument.
Evan, Chuck, and Rodney walked them to the door and Chuck handed over two containers of food for them as they all said their good-nights.
Once the two men had left, Evan commented, “Tonight went rather well, I thought.”
“No one died or was injured and everyone got along. I’d definitely say it was a success,” Chuck agreed.
Rodney huffed. “I guess I can agree it was a success.”
“Thank you,” Chuck replied as he advanced on Rodney with a lusty grin. “About how you can make this up to us….”
Continue to Part 30
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Gaijin 29/40 by sam-gamgee
Date: 2008-12-23 07:06 am (UTC)Hope you don't mind, but here's a bitty beta - "Which you had a crush on at the time..." Since the object is a person (Laura), it should be "Who you had a crush on..."