Stargate: Atlantis- McKay/Lorne
Title: Focus on the Mission
Author: 1000traenen
Summary: Lorne receives bad news and keeps it to himself. When Rodney finally finds out, he sees just how committed Lorne is to his job.
Rating: PG
Pairing: McKay/Lorne
Categories: Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Prompt: #8- Tears
Disclaimer: Since you don’t see stuff like this on TV, suffice it to say that they aren’t mine.
A/N: Link to my table. Not beta’d, so all mistakes are mine. May include some minor OOC-ness on Lorne’s part, but since we haven’t seen him outside of being on-duty…
---
Major Nick Lorne was in the conference room with three Marines and Dr. David Parrish. They were waiting on Teyla, Lt. Col. John Sheppard and Dr. Elizabeth Weir. They had a mission that day, and since foodstuffs were running low, it was hoped that they would be able to trade for some. But the person who came through the door wasn’t the one they were expecting.
“Mail call!” Lt. Coffey announced.
Heads looked up to see the Marine come in with a stack of envelopes in his hands. He started handing them out, and Nick hung back and watched as he wasn’t expecting anything. So when his name was called, he was a little surprised. He took it without a word and looked at the front of the envelope. He recognized the handwriting as his sister’s, and wondered what she could have to say. He opened it quickly and carefully unfolded the sheet of stationary.
He read it through once, not believing what was in front of his eyes. Then he reread it, and it sunk in. The words hit him like a sucker punch to the gut. All breath left him and he nearly doubled over.
“Sir?” Coffey asked, seeing Nick react to something.
Nick couldn’t find his voice, so he just waved the lieutenant away. Then he left the room abruptly, leaving the others to stare after him. He didn’t have time to walk to his quarters, so he ducked into a supply room. With his hands on his knees, he took the deep breaths he needed to get himself centered again. His team was due to leave in one hour, and he couldn’t afford to let anything get in the way. He tucked the letter into the inside pocket of his vest, and went back into the conference room. And on the way back, he kept reminding himself that he needed to focus on the mission.
In the conference room, he was met by questioning glances from both Coffey and Parrish, but neither vocally asked anything. Coffey then left the room since he wasn’t a part of the team going off-world. The others weren’t waiting much longer when Teyla, Sheppard and Weir came in, and the briefing began.
---
“Ready for this, Major?” Parrish grinned as they stood in the gateroom, waiting for the Marines to arrive.
“I’m always ready,” Nick drawled, adjusting the P90 clipped to his vest. “Well, as ready as one can be out here.”
Once the Marines arrived, the gate was dialed and the five were on their way. And just as he was about to step through the event horizon, Nick thought, I hope he’s seeing this since I wasn’t able to tell him.
On the other side, Nick took point and led the way to the village. It was easy enough to find, and they were greeted by the village’s leader. Since one of the Marines had extensive negotiation experience, Nick was able to stand back and watch over everyone. Nick wasn’t quite sure where or how, but he noticed that Parrish had jumped in and gotten involved. And when they came upon a sticking point, it was decided that Nick would head back to the ‘Gate and dial Atlantis for advice.
It was a long walk back made even longer by the quiet loneliness and the weight of the letter in his pocket. He managed to keep his eyes and ears tuned to his surroundings, so as not to be taken by surprise if anyone attacked. No one did, and he arrived at the ‘Gate. After talking to both Dr. Weir and Teyla, he knew he had a course of action. Parrish, who’d seen him coming back, greeted him outside of the cabin and Nick relayed the advice.
It was another long walk back to the ‘Gate, but this time it was because of the packages they were carrying. Each man had a basket filled with grains, fruits and vegetables that they were given in exchange for promises of medical assistance and some technological help. Since he was technically on point, Nick was the first to reach the ‘Gate and put his basket down. Parrish, who’d been right behind him, followed suit so that he could dial.
Nick had put his IDC in and was awaiting confirmation when his radio went off.
“Lorne,” he said.
“We’re having some problems here,” Dr. Weir informed him. “The shield has a glitch and we can’t lower it right now. Dr. McKay says it shouldn’t take much longer. Try it again in fifteen minutes.”
After confirming, Nick shut the wormhole down. Then he turned and looked at the others.
“Well, you heard the good news. So make yourselves comfortable for the next fifteen minutes.”
Parrish settled down near his basket, which was next to Nick’s. The three Marines sat nearby while Nick stayed on his feet, pacing. It was getting increasingly more difficult to focus on the task at hand when there wasn’t really a task at all. And once, as he turned to go back in the direction he’d just come from, the letter in his pocket crinkled just loud enough to get his attention. And he was made painfully aware of what he’d have to deal with on the other side of the Stargate. He turned back quickly, facing the forest. He wasn’t seeing the trees in front of him as he stared out.
It seemed like so long, but it was not even a minute. Then he turned back, and began walking back toward the DHD and the others. He crossed in front of Parrish, then turned back. At the fifteen minute mark, Nick dialed the ‘Gate and was given permission to return. In the gateroom, he looked up to see Weir, Sheppard, and McKay standing on the balcony overlooking the room.
“I take it the mission was a success!” Weir exclaimed as she looked over the five men with the five baskets.
“Yes, ma’am,” Nick affirmed. “They’re quite happy with the outcome.”
“As are we,” she smiled. “Leave the baskets there, I’ll get someone to handle them. Why don’t you get to the infirmary?”
Nick nodded, then looked at Parrish and the Marines. “You heard the lady, let’s get going.”
Once they were cleared, they went their separate ways. Nick went straight to his quarters since he was feeling the cracks starting to widen. Once he was safely in his quarters, and the door locked, he stripped down to take a shower. When he came out and dressed, he was startled to hear someone at his door. After throwing a faded Air Force T-shirt to match his once-black sweats, he opened the door to find Rodney McKay on the other side.
“Locking the door now?” Rodney asked, a bit snidely.
Nick only sighed, then stepped aside so Rodney could come in. “I didn’t want just anyone walking in.”
“If you want me to leave…”
“No…I don’t know…”
Rodney turned to look at Nick, “That’s not exactly an answer.”
After shrugging, Nick replied, “Do whatever you want.”
“Is there something going on that I should know about?”
Nick snorted, “Look, I got a letter that I have to deal with. You keep telling me that you don’t do squishy stuff, so I didn’t want to force it on you.”
“A letter?” Rodney repeated, and Nick nodded. “Elizabeth didn’t say anything about you getting a letter…”
“Coffey gave it to me as he was handing out the mail.”
“Great,” Rodney sighed. “Another example of ineptitude.”
Nick only shrugged, then walked past Rodney toward the window. Standing in front of it, he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. His mind was back on Earth, so when Rodney came up behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist, it startled him.
“What happened?” Rodney asked softly.
Nick only shook his head, the thoughts making it harder to keep his calm. Then he turned around and leaned into Rodney, resting his head on the scientist’s shoulder. Rodney brought his other arm up and held Nick tightly against him. Rodney was almost surprised when he felt Nick’s hands grab his shirt, clutching the fabric tightly in his fists.
“I’m here, Nick,” Rodney said when he felt his shoulder dampening.
Nick only nodded, and didn’t move otherwise. Rodney managed to maneuver Nick to the bed, where they both could sit. But before Nick would sit down, he went to get the letter. Rodney was sitting on the bed with his back against the headrest, and Nick moved the pillows so that he could lie down with his head in Rodney’s lap. Once he was comfortable, he handed the letter over to Rodney. While one hand held the letter, the fingers of the other were weaving through Nick’s hair.
“Oh Nick…” Rodney breathed when he’d finished the letter. “You shouldn’t have gotten this the way you did.”
“No other way to get it,” Nick replied. “We don’t exactly have long-distance service out here.”
“Still. This isn’t how to get news like this.”
“Doesn’t matter now. It’s done and over with. It’s all done and over with.”
Rodney put the letter on the bedside table, then went back to running his fingers through Nick’s hair.
“Why did you say anything before?” Rodney finally asked, frowning when he realized that he went through the mission with the knowledge.
“Didn’t exactly have a chance, plus there wasn’t really a point. Like I said, everything was done and over with. I knew how important the mission was, anyway.”
“Gah…you worried more about the mission?” Rodney asked incredulously, though he really wasn’t surprised.
“Might as well. No point in postponing or scrubbing it, which is probably what would’ve happened.”
“It’s what should’ve happened! Nick, you don’t always have to be the good little soldier.”
Nick didn’t reply to that, he only shifted in Rodney’s arms. When he saw that he wasn’t going to get a reply, Rodney said, “I do wish you would’ve said something. Just so you wouldn’t have had to deal with this alone.”
“I’ll be fine, Rodney. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Well, I will anyway. I may not know exactly what to do, but I’m here and I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me otherwise. If you want…I can get Heightmeyer. She might be better at this.”
“I have no desire to talk to her,” Nick replied. “The last time I had to, I spent the entire hour wishing Atlantis would open the floor and swallow me whole.”
Rodney laughed, though it was as strained as Nick’s. “I know that feeling, my personal views of her ‘profession’ notwithstanding.”
Silence followed, and Nick grabbed the nearest pillow to hold to his chest. Rodney continued to try and soothe him by running his fingers through Nick’s hair, knowing how that usually calmed and relaxed the other man. He could see that Nick was still trying to keep a hold of his emotions, and he knew that he’d have to coax Nick into letting go. And he was enough of a genius to know that it wasn’t going to be easy, and it wouldn’t be for some days to come.
“You want to talk…or anything?” Rodney asked.
“Right now, I don’t even know what to say or do.”
Rodney thought back for a moment, trying to imagine what Nick’s day would’ve been like. “When was the last time you ate something?”
“Breakfast,” Nick answered, then took a deep breath. “Couldn’t manage lunch.”
“You should try to eat something. I know, you’re not hungry. But you need something in you and breakfast was a long time ago.”
“I’m not really feeling up to the mess.”
“Well, you may recall that I keep emergency MREs here, and I think this qualifies.”
“I’ll try, but I make no guarantees. I can’t say I’m feeling too good right now.”
Rodney nodded, and Nick moved so that Rodney could get up. As Rodney was preparing the MREs, Nick stayed in bed, curled on his side with the pillow still in his arms. Eventually, the cracks grew too big, and he couldn’t keep it all locked inside anymore. He buried his face in the pillow, and let the tears fall.
Rodney, having heard Nick moving a little, turned to see Nick on the bed and knew what was happening. He abandoned the food and rushed back to the bed, where he got in behind Nick and wrapped the other man in his arms.
He was surprised when Nick moved, turning over. Rodney made a mad-grab for Nick, trying to gather him in his arms as fast as he could. Rodney wasn’t sure how long they lied there, but by the time Nick was still and quiet again, it was because he’d had worn himself out. Rodney untangled himself from Nick’s grasp, then carefully got out of the bed. He grabbed a handful of tissues from the table and cautiously dried Nick’s face without waking him. After changing his clammy shirt, he went back into the kitchenette to finish making the food. As the food heated, he debated whether or not to wake Nick to eat, and thought it best to do so. He set the hot food on the counter, then went to wake Nick.
It was an easy task, though Rodney could see that Nick wasn’t completely awake. He got Nick to sit up, then went to get their meals.
“Can’t say this looks appetizing,” Nick muttered when he saw the ration.
“I have a feeling nothing would look appetizing right now,” Rodney replied. “Though I know you aren’t a big fan of MREs anyway.”
Nick spent most of the time picking at the food in front of him and pushing it around, and none of that escaped Rodney’s notice. He didn’t say anything though, since he knew not to push. By the time Rodney finished his, he saw that Nick was just pushing the food around and not even making an effort to eat. So Rodney finished the MRE for him, then set the dishes aside. Seeing Nick moving around, Rodney turned to watch. He had a pillow in one hand as he went looking through different parts of the room. For a little while, Nick seemed to ignore Rodney’s presence as if he were lost in thought.
“Nick?” he asked, placing a hand on Nick’s shoulder, making him stop moving around.
“Wet pillow,” was all Nick said, and Rodney understood.
“Go wash your face and I’ll fix the pillow,” Rodney said, ushering Nick into the bathroom.
When Nick came back out, a fresh pillow was on his side of the bed. They got into bed, and Rodney moved so that he could hold Nick.
“I really should write my sister back, let her know I heard about Dad…” Nick said out of the blue.
“Tomorrow,” Rodney replied, tightening his grip on Nick a little, enough for Nick to know that he wasn’t going anywhere. “The Daedalus is here for a few more days, and that’s time enough. You need to sleep right now.”
“Love you,” Nick mumbled into Rodney’s chest. “Thanks for putting up with me.”
“Love you too,” Rodney replied, kissing the top of Nick’s head. “And like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”
Nick was the first asleep while Rodney stared at the ceiling. He knew it wasn’t over yet, and he knew he’d have a few people to talk to, but Rodney also knew that they’d get through this.
FIN
Author: 1000traenen
Summary: Lorne receives bad news and keeps it to himself. When Rodney finally finds out, he sees just how committed Lorne is to his job.
Rating: PG
Pairing: McKay/Lorne
Categories: Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Prompt: #8- Tears
Disclaimer: Since you don’t see stuff like this on TV, suffice it to say that they aren’t mine.
A/N: Link to my table. Not beta’d, so all mistakes are mine. May include some minor OOC-ness on Lorne’s part, but since we haven’t seen him outside of being on-duty…
---
Major Nick Lorne was in the conference room with three Marines and Dr. David Parrish. They were waiting on Teyla, Lt. Col. John Sheppard and Dr. Elizabeth Weir. They had a mission that day, and since foodstuffs were running low, it was hoped that they would be able to trade for some. But the person who came through the door wasn’t the one they were expecting.
“Mail call!” Lt. Coffey announced.
Heads looked up to see the Marine come in with a stack of envelopes in his hands. He started handing them out, and Nick hung back and watched as he wasn’t expecting anything. So when his name was called, he was a little surprised. He took it without a word and looked at the front of the envelope. He recognized the handwriting as his sister’s, and wondered what she could have to say. He opened it quickly and carefully unfolded the sheet of stationary.
He read it through once, not believing what was in front of his eyes. Then he reread it, and it sunk in. The words hit him like a sucker punch to the gut. All breath left him and he nearly doubled over.
“Sir?” Coffey asked, seeing Nick react to something.
Nick couldn’t find his voice, so he just waved the lieutenant away. Then he left the room abruptly, leaving the others to stare after him. He didn’t have time to walk to his quarters, so he ducked into a supply room. With his hands on his knees, he took the deep breaths he needed to get himself centered again. His team was due to leave in one hour, and he couldn’t afford to let anything get in the way. He tucked the letter into the inside pocket of his vest, and went back into the conference room. And on the way back, he kept reminding himself that he needed to focus on the mission.
In the conference room, he was met by questioning glances from both Coffey and Parrish, but neither vocally asked anything. Coffey then left the room since he wasn’t a part of the team going off-world. The others weren’t waiting much longer when Teyla, Sheppard and Weir came in, and the briefing began.
---
“Ready for this, Major?” Parrish grinned as they stood in the gateroom, waiting for the Marines to arrive.
“I’m always ready,” Nick drawled, adjusting the P90 clipped to his vest. “Well, as ready as one can be out here.”
Once the Marines arrived, the gate was dialed and the five were on their way. And just as he was about to step through the event horizon, Nick thought, I hope he’s seeing this since I wasn’t able to tell him.
On the other side, Nick took point and led the way to the village. It was easy enough to find, and they were greeted by the village’s leader. Since one of the Marines had extensive negotiation experience, Nick was able to stand back and watch over everyone. Nick wasn’t quite sure where or how, but he noticed that Parrish had jumped in and gotten involved. And when they came upon a sticking point, it was decided that Nick would head back to the ‘Gate and dial Atlantis for advice.
It was a long walk back made even longer by the quiet loneliness and the weight of the letter in his pocket. He managed to keep his eyes and ears tuned to his surroundings, so as not to be taken by surprise if anyone attacked. No one did, and he arrived at the ‘Gate. After talking to both Dr. Weir and Teyla, he knew he had a course of action. Parrish, who’d seen him coming back, greeted him outside of the cabin and Nick relayed the advice.
It was another long walk back to the ‘Gate, but this time it was because of the packages they were carrying. Each man had a basket filled with grains, fruits and vegetables that they were given in exchange for promises of medical assistance and some technological help. Since he was technically on point, Nick was the first to reach the ‘Gate and put his basket down. Parrish, who’d been right behind him, followed suit so that he could dial.
Nick had put his IDC in and was awaiting confirmation when his radio went off.
“Lorne,” he said.
“We’re having some problems here,” Dr. Weir informed him. “The shield has a glitch and we can’t lower it right now. Dr. McKay says it shouldn’t take much longer. Try it again in fifteen minutes.”
After confirming, Nick shut the wormhole down. Then he turned and looked at the others.
“Well, you heard the good news. So make yourselves comfortable for the next fifteen minutes.”
Parrish settled down near his basket, which was next to Nick’s. The three Marines sat nearby while Nick stayed on his feet, pacing. It was getting increasingly more difficult to focus on the task at hand when there wasn’t really a task at all. And once, as he turned to go back in the direction he’d just come from, the letter in his pocket crinkled just loud enough to get his attention. And he was made painfully aware of what he’d have to deal with on the other side of the Stargate. He turned back quickly, facing the forest. He wasn’t seeing the trees in front of him as he stared out.
It seemed like so long, but it was not even a minute. Then he turned back, and began walking back toward the DHD and the others. He crossed in front of Parrish, then turned back. At the fifteen minute mark, Nick dialed the ‘Gate and was given permission to return. In the gateroom, he looked up to see Weir, Sheppard, and McKay standing on the balcony overlooking the room.
“I take it the mission was a success!” Weir exclaimed as she looked over the five men with the five baskets.
“Yes, ma’am,” Nick affirmed. “They’re quite happy with the outcome.”
“As are we,” she smiled. “Leave the baskets there, I’ll get someone to handle them. Why don’t you get to the infirmary?”
Nick nodded, then looked at Parrish and the Marines. “You heard the lady, let’s get going.”
Once they were cleared, they went their separate ways. Nick went straight to his quarters since he was feeling the cracks starting to widen. Once he was safely in his quarters, and the door locked, he stripped down to take a shower. When he came out and dressed, he was startled to hear someone at his door. After throwing a faded Air Force T-shirt to match his once-black sweats, he opened the door to find Rodney McKay on the other side.
“Locking the door now?” Rodney asked, a bit snidely.
Nick only sighed, then stepped aside so Rodney could come in. “I didn’t want just anyone walking in.”
“If you want me to leave…”
“No…I don’t know…”
Rodney turned to look at Nick, “That’s not exactly an answer.”
After shrugging, Nick replied, “Do whatever you want.”
“Is there something going on that I should know about?”
Nick snorted, “Look, I got a letter that I have to deal with. You keep telling me that you don’t do squishy stuff, so I didn’t want to force it on you.”
“A letter?” Rodney repeated, and Nick nodded. “Elizabeth didn’t say anything about you getting a letter…”
“Coffey gave it to me as he was handing out the mail.”
“Great,” Rodney sighed. “Another example of ineptitude.”
Nick only shrugged, then walked past Rodney toward the window. Standing in front of it, he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. His mind was back on Earth, so when Rodney came up behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist, it startled him.
“What happened?” Rodney asked softly.
Nick only shook his head, the thoughts making it harder to keep his calm. Then he turned around and leaned into Rodney, resting his head on the scientist’s shoulder. Rodney brought his other arm up and held Nick tightly against him. Rodney was almost surprised when he felt Nick’s hands grab his shirt, clutching the fabric tightly in his fists.
“I’m here, Nick,” Rodney said when he felt his shoulder dampening.
Nick only nodded, and didn’t move otherwise. Rodney managed to maneuver Nick to the bed, where they both could sit. But before Nick would sit down, he went to get the letter. Rodney was sitting on the bed with his back against the headrest, and Nick moved the pillows so that he could lie down with his head in Rodney’s lap. Once he was comfortable, he handed the letter over to Rodney. While one hand held the letter, the fingers of the other were weaving through Nick’s hair.
“Oh Nick…” Rodney breathed when he’d finished the letter. “You shouldn’t have gotten this the way you did.”
“No other way to get it,” Nick replied. “We don’t exactly have long-distance service out here.”
“Still. This isn’t how to get news like this.”
“Doesn’t matter now. It’s done and over with. It’s all done and over with.”
Rodney put the letter on the bedside table, then went back to running his fingers through Nick’s hair.
“Why did you say anything before?” Rodney finally asked, frowning when he realized that he went through the mission with the knowledge.
“Didn’t exactly have a chance, plus there wasn’t really a point. Like I said, everything was done and over with. I knew how important the mission was, anyway.”
“Gah…you worried more about the mission?” Rodney asked incredulously, though he really wasn’t surprised.
“Might as well. No point in postponing or scrubbing it, which is probably what would’ve happened.”
“It’s what should’ve happened! Nick, you don’t always have to be the good little soldier.”
Nick didn’t reply to that, he only shifted in Rodney’s arms. When he saw that he wasn’t going to get a reply, Rodney said, “I do wish you would’ve said something. Just so you wouldn’t have had to deal with this alone.”
“I’ll be fine, Rodney. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Well, I will anyway. I may not know exactly what to do, but I’m here and I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me otherwise. If you want…I can get Heightmeyer. She might be better at this.”
“I have no desire to talk to her,” Nick replied. “The last time I had to, I spent the entire hour wishing Atlantis would open the floor and swallow me whole.”
Rodney laughed, though it was as strained as Nick’s. “I know that feeling, my personal views of her ‘profession’ notwithstanding.”
Silence followed, and Nick grabbed the nearest pillow to hold to his chest. Rodney continued to try and soothe him by running his fingers through Nick’s hair, knowing how that usually calmed and relaxed the other man. He could see that Nick was still trying to keep a hold of his emotions, and he knew that he’d have to coax Nick into letting go. And he was enough of a genius to know that it wasn’t going to be easy, and it wouldn’t be for some days to come.
“You want to talk…or anything?” Rodney asked.
“Right now, I don’t even know what to say or do.”
Rodney thought back for a moment, trying to imagine what Nick’s day would’ve been like. “When was the last time you ate something?”
“Breakfast,” Nick answered, then took a deep breath. “Couldn’t manage lunch.”
“You should try to eat something. I know, you’re not hungry. But you need something in you and breakfast was a long time ago.”
“I’m not really feeling up to the mess.”
“Well, you may recall that I keep emergency MREs here, and I think this qualifies.”
“I’ll try, but I make no guarantees. I can’t say I’m feeling too good right now.”
Rodney nodded, and Nick moved so that Rodney could get up. As Rodney was preparing the MREs, Nick stayed in bed, curled on his side with the pillow still in his arms. Eventually, the cracks grew too big, and he couldn’t keep it all locked inside anymore. He buried his face in the pillow, and let the tears fall.
Rodney, having heard Nick moving a little, turned to see Nick on the bed and knew what was happening. He abandoned the food and rushed back to the bed, where he got in behind Nick and wrapped the other man in his arms.
He was surprised when Nick moved, turning over. Rodney made a mad-grab for Nick, trying to gather him in his arms as fast as he could. Rodney wasn’t sure how long they lied there, but by the time Nick was still and quiet again, it was because he’d had worn himself out. Rodney untangled himself from Nick’s grasp, then carefully got out of the bed. He grabbed a handful of tissues from the table and cautiously dried Nick’s face without waking him. After changing his clammy shirt, he went back into the kitchenette to finish making the food. As the food heated, he debated whether or not to wake Nick to eat, and thought it best to do so. He set the hot food on the counter, then went to wake Nick.
It was an easy task, though Rodney could see that Nick wasn’t completely awake. He got Nick to sit up, then went to get their meals.
“Can’t say this looks appetizing,” Nick muttered when he saw the ration.
“I have a feeling nothing would look appetizing right now,” Rodney replied. “Though I know you aren’t a big fan of MREs anyway.”
Nick spent most of the time picking at the food in front of him and pushing it around, and none of that escaped Rodney’s notice. He didn’t say anything though, since he knew not to push. By the time Rodney finished his, he saw that Nick was just pushing the food around and not even making an effort to eat. So Rodney finished the MRE for him, then set the dishes aside. Seeing Nick moving around, Rodney turned to watch. He had a pillow in one hand as he went looking through different parts of the room. For a little while, Nick seemed to ignore Rodney’s presence as if he were lost in thought.
“Nick?” he asked, placing a hand on Nick’s shoulder, making him stop moving around.
“Wet pillow,” was all Nick said, and Rodney understood.
“Go wash your face and I’ll fix the pillow,” Rodney said, ushering Nick into the bathroom.
When Nick came back out, a fresh pillow was on his side of the bed. They got into bed, and Rodney moved so that he could hold Nick.
“I really should write my sister back, let her know I heard about Dad…” Nick said out of the blue.
“Tomorrow,” Rodney replied, tightening his grip on Nick a little, enough for Nick to know that he wasn’t going anywhere. “The Daedalus is here for a few more days, and that’s time enough. You need to sleep right now.”
“Love you,” Nick mumbled into Rodney’s chest. “Thanks for putting up with me.”
“Love you too,” Rodney replied, kissing the top of Nick’s head. “And like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”
Nick was the first asleep while Rodney stared at the ceiling. He knew it wasn’t over yet, and he knew he’d have a few people to talk to, but Rodney also knew that they’d get through this.
FIN