Fic - Lonely Hearts
Here is the second part.
Author’s Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Enjoy
***********************************************
Radek was fiercely swearing at Rodney, wishing that the man were actually in front of him to take it. In the few days Rodney had been away, Radek’s workload had tripled, as had the number of complaints.
“Dr Zelenka?” one of his biggest problems appeared.
“Yes, Dr Matthews?” Radek grimaced as the woman walked into his lab.
“I was looking over the latest work rota,” Kim told him, “And I noticed I’m no longer working with your team.”
Radek grimaced, “Dr Matthews, whilst Rodney is away I am in charge so I have had to move some people around. If you have problems with this then you can speak to him once he returns.”
Kim gave him a smile, “No problem. I’m sure working with Dr Kavanagh will be fine.”
Radek nodded pleased when she left his lab, he didn’t trust her with anything important and putting her with Kavanagh’s team meant he could limit her access to systems.
He turned to his calendar counting the days till Rodney arrived home.
John trudged last through the Gate, glad to be back in Atlantis. The last few days had been boring as hell. Rodney’s replacement wasn’t a bad person or a bad scientist or bad in any way, she just wasn’t Rodney and John was now used to the sarcastic egotistical complaining scientist who had the ability to pull their ass out of the fire.
“Welcome back, Colonel,” Elizabeth greeted him with a grin nodding to the other three as they headed past her to the infirmary, “How was the mission?”
John rolled his eyes, “Long, boring and with nothing to show for it. The energy readings were nothing.”
“Typical,” Elizabeth sighed, “At least you don’t have to listen to Rodney complaining about it.”
John shrugged, “It’s weird but I wouldn’t have minded having him there. At least I can bait him when I’m bored.”
“Well I’m afraid your hobby will have to wait until he gets back,” Elizabeth laughed, “It’ll only be a few more weeks.”
John snorted, “And then I’ll wish he was somewhere else.”
Elizabeth waved him away, “Go see Carson and I’ll see you at the briefing.”
John threw a sarcastic salute at her before heading through the corridors of Atlantis towards the infirmary. He reached it finding Ronan, Teyla and Dr Franks already getting checked out.
“Ah, Colonel,” Carson greeted him, “Please take a seat and we’ll get to you as soon as possible for your spa treatment.”
“You’re a riot, Doc,” John replied as he took a seat watching the nearby nurse collect together the things the doctor would need.
“I try to keep my patients as upbeat as possible,” Carson grinned, “I’m taking it there are no injuries to report?”
John nodded, “I made it there and back without so much as a scratch.”
“Unusual,” Carson noted before he started the medical.
“Cadman still off world?” John asked as he and Carson sat in the mess.
“You should know,” Carson replied dryly, “You set the assignments.”
John shrugged, “Well that’s part of her job you know. Dare I ask how things are going between you two?”
Carson grimaced slightly, “Would me saying none of your business stop you?”
John shrugged, “You know me, Carson.”
“Unfortunately,” the doctor muttered.
“Hey,” John cried indignantly.
Carson gave a small laugh, “Things are complicated, John, I care about her but I’m not who she’s meant to be with.”
“Does she know this yet?” John asked motioning over Zelenka as he appeared at the entrance.
Carson shrugged, “I think subconsciously she does but we’ve never discussed anything,” he looked up with a smile as the Czech scientist arrived happy for the distraction, “Radek, how’s things?”
Radek gave him a disgusted look, “When Rodney gets back I am going on long vacation.”
Kim fumed as she paced her room. She couldn’t believe she’d been moved from her lab. She’d tried to charm Zelenka but he seemed completely uninterested in her. It possibly had something to do with the woman’s picture he kept hidden next to his computer. Kim knew she should be working on major finds but for some reason she was being refused these.
She knew McKay was due back in a few weeks so for now she would work quietly. Once he returned though she knew she could charm him properly her only problem to that being Lieutenant Cadman. Kim pursed her lips together in deep thought.
“Keep your friends close,” she murmured with a smile, “Keep your enemies closer.”
*********************************************
Rodney sighed as he packed his things, he was heading back to the SGC tomorrow and although he was glad to be heading back to Atlantis he was going to miss his sister and niece.
“Hey, genius,” Jeannie called from the other room, “Can you do me a favour?”
“Like what?” he yelled back.
“Don’t have a tantrum when I tell you who’s coming to dinner,” Jeannie replied.
Rodney grimaced and headed into the kitchen where she was cooking, “What does that mean?”
Jeannie shrugged slightly looking contrite, “Mom called. Dad’s going out tonight, so she wants to come and see you.”
“No,” Rodney snapped, “No way.”
“Rodney,” his sister started, “She’s sorry for everything and wants to see you. Come on, Rodney, she just wants to talk to you.”
“No,” he headed back to his room Jeannie following him, he grabbed his bag, “I’ll leave now.”
“Coward,” she snapped blocking his way.
Rodney glared at her; a glare that made several of those on Atlantis, both science and military, run for cover but Jeannie returned it with one of equal power.
“They made my life a misery,” he snapped.
“And she’s sorry about it,” Jeannie replied just as sharply, “You know Dad controls her, you know how he is and because you weren’t the son he wanted then he resented you and made her resent you as well. Come on Rodney, give her a chance.”
He closed his eyes and dropped the bag, “This is my last night here.”
“I know this is hard for you, Rodney,” Jeannie sympathised, “But if you ever want to get on with your life you have to start making amends with your past.”
Rodney snorted derisively, “You’ve been doing that stupid column for too long.”
“Maybe,” she shrugged annoyingly calm at his anger, “So what’s your choice, Rodney? Are you sticking around or running away like a scared child?”
“I hate you,” he snapped.
Jeannie gave a smug smile, “I know.”
Rodney couldn’t believe he was sticking around for this, he couldn’t believe that he was actually waiting for his mother to arrive. He picked up Emma off the floor as she crawled over to him and placed her on his lap. When the doorbell rang he gripped her slightly tighter. Jeannie gave an amused smile and walked past them to open the door.
“Hi, Mom,” she greeted hugging the woman there, “Come on in.”
Rodney swallowed and stood up holding the little girl, frowning as Jeannie took her daughter from him.
“Rodney,” Melissa McKay smiled at him, “You look wonderful. I almost didn’t recognise you when I saw you at the funeral.”
“Well it’s not like you’ve seen me in years,” he replied sharply.
“Rodney,” his sister hissed at him.
“What?” he snapped back.
“Knock it off,” she told him, her blue eyes blazing angrily at him.
“It’s okay, Jeannie,” their mother said softly, “He has every right to hate me.”
“I’ll go fix dinner,” Jeannie shifted Emma on her hip and headed into the kitchen leaving them alone.
Rodney stood his arms folded protectively across his chest not saying a word as his mother moved to him.
“I wish I could change things,” Melissa told him.
Rodney shook his head, “You can’t.”
“I never wanted to isolate you, Rodney,” she sighed, “You were just so hard to be close to.”
“Why?” he demanded, “Because Dad didn’t want me? Or because I’m much smarter than you?”
She sighed, “I don’t know.”
Dinner was quiet, Jeannie trying to fill in the silences while Emma picking up on the tension got upset and decided to throw her dinner all over Jeannie.
“I’d better put her down,” Jeannie took the little girl and headed away leaving them alone again.
“Jeannie says you’re heading back tomorrow to wherever you’re working,” his mother started.
“Yeah,” Rodney replied.
“I’m sorry,” Melissa whispered, “I wanted to come see you before now but…”
“Dad didn’t let you,” Rodney finished for her, “Look I have a place now, I am wanted and respected. I don’t need his approval anymore or yours.”
Melissa smiled softly, “I never doubted you wouldn’t find a place for yourself, Rodney. You are brilliant.”
Rodney ducked his head slightly; he had no problem telling others how brilliant he was but praise like that always made him self-conscious.
“Dessert anyone?” Jeannie reappeared.
The rest of the night was filled by small talk and Melissa finally decided it was time to leave.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” she told Jeannie hugging her before she turned to her son not making a move towards him, “Take care of yourself, Rodney.”
To both women’s not to mention his own surprise Rodney reached out and embraced his mother tightly. Melissa held onto him smiling as they parted, “I love you, Rodney, promise me you’ll come and see me when you come back again.”
Rodney swallowed hard, “I will. I love you too, Mom.”
*********************************************
Cadman staggered through the Gate her arm in a makeshift sling; she was in a foul mood after the fall that had dislocated her shoulder. Now she had to listen to Carson tell her off for not being careful enough while off world. She’d had to listen to Watson for the entire walk back to the Stargate about her accident.
Elizabeth Weir thankfully just waved them away without demanding an explanation from them about what had happened, Watson giving her a shrug as they all walked away.
“What happened?” Carson demanded the moment he saw her.
“It was an accident,” Cadman sat on the bed.
Carson nodded, “And what was the accident?”
“She tripped over a tree root,” Watson spoke up receiving a glare from Cadman.
Carson laughed as he gently checked her arm, “We’ll get this fixed up easily,” he promised her.
“Then I intend to sleep for a week,” Cadman groaned lying back on the bed.
Carson squeezed her good hand, “I’m sure no one will argue with that.”
She was sleeping, her shoulder had been put back into place and her arm was strapped to her body when Carson left her bedside. Her foul mood hadn’t dissipated any as he fixed it up.
Carson couldn’t help the thought that he would have liked to have Rodney there for her to shout at. It might have been easier to help her if she was snapping at Rodney instead of him. Carson shook his head knowing the time had come, they belonged with one another.
“How is she?” Elizabeth asked softly joining Carson.
“Pretty nasty dislocation but it should heal perfectly,” Carson told her, “However, she is not too happy about the thought of being stuck on Atlantis for the next few months.”
Elizabeth smiled, “I don’t think we can do anything about that. However I’m sure we can keep her busy once you clear her for some light duty.”
Carson nodded and gave her a quick smile, “Okay, the other reason I called you down Elizabeth…”
Cadman walked towards the mess hall her right arm strapped to her body.
“Good morning, Lieutenant,” Dr Matthews appeared at her side, “How’s your arm?”
“Fine, Doctor,” Cadman replied a little surprised that this woman was talking to her; they hadn’t had any contact since the one mission they’d been on together.
“It’s Kim.”
“Cadman,” she replied, realising that the other woman was looking a little insulted, “No one calls me Laura except my parents, brother and sister.”
“Why?” Kim asked as they started walking again.
Cadman laughed, “There were a load of Laura’s in my class at school so we were all given nicknames. I thankfully ended up with Cadman, though my brother-in-law insists on calling me LC.”
Kim laughed as well, “Alright Cadman. I was meant to be meeting a friend for breakfast but she’s working. Would you like to join me?”
Cadman was a little surprised by this but nodded, “Sure.”
Kim smiled as they entered the mess and headed to get breakfast.
*********************************************
Rodney picked up Emma and gave her a tight hug before gently kissing the top of her head smiling as she giggled at him. Placing her back amongst her toys Rodney turned to his sister.
“I’m going to miss you two,” he told her.
Jeannie laughed, “And you were complaining about Emma’s crying.”
He frowned at her before laughing and hugging her tightly, “Thanks, Jeannie. For everything.”
“You’re always welcome here, Rodney,” she reminded him, “You know that. Now all you have to do is promise me you’ll try and sort out things with your friend. I prefer you in a good mood when visiting.”
Rodney shrugged, “It’s not a problem anymore, Jeannie.”
“Really?” she asked suspicious.
Rodney gave another shrug, “Really. Take care of yourself and Emma and I’ll come see you two the next time I’m able to.”
Jeannie grinned and hugged him again before handing him a CD, “Here, so you can remember the people who love you back here.”
Rodney gave her one final smile before leaving. He was amazed by how fast the time had gone; now the Deadalus was due to leave in two days so it meant Rodney had to head back.
“Welcome onboard, Dr McKay,” Caldwell greeted him as Rodney stepped onto the ship.
“Colonel,” Rodney gave him a sharp nod, “I’m just going to put my things in my room then I’ll join Hermiod and Novak in the engine room.”
Caldwell nodded, “Of course, Doctor. Dr Weir mentioned you were going to go over certain systems.”
“Just want to make sure everything’s running smoothly,” Rodney replied heading away.
With a relieved sigh Rodney dropped his bag on the bed, he reached in and pulled out the CD Jeannie had given him before he’d left. He slipped it into his laptop and smiled. On it were several pictures of Emma, several from her birthday as well as just ones of her and Jeannie. He couldn’t stop his smile as he came across a picture of himself holding Emma while the next one made him scowl. Jeannie had taken a picture of him fast asleep Emma lying on top of him also asleep.
“I’ll get you for that one,” he muttered under his breath before putting the CD back in the bag, it was time to get back to work.
*********************************************
Cadman smiled as Carson appeared on the balcony to join her for dinner. She found herself drifting to this particular balcony whenever she needed to be alone and think, something about it was comforting. It never did occur to her that this was one of Rodney’s favourite places to be alone.
“How’s the arm?” he asked with a teasing grin moving to stand beside her.
“It aches a lot,” Cadman replied with a frown.
Carson laughed, “Well that’ll teach you to watch where you’re going won’t it?”
She glared at him, “You know even with one arm I can still do you damage.”
Carson held up his hands in mock defeat, “I surrender.”
“Wimp,” she teased, “Are we going to eat then?”
Carson caught her good arm as she started to move, “I need to talk to you.”
Cadman looked confused, “This sounds serious.”
“It is,” Carson replied softly, “You know I care for you a lot, don’t you?”
Cadman nodded, “Of course. I care a lot about you too, Carson.”
“But not enough that we should be dating,” Carson continued sadly.
“When did you decide this?” she demanded.
Carson reached out and gently pushed back a lock of hair that was falling into her eyes, “I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently. Laura, you are smart, fun, sweet and beautiful in every way I know and I wish I was the one you were meant to be with but I’m not.”
“Carson…”
He placed a finger on her lips stopping her from continuing, “You’ve known this for a long time yourself.”
“I guess so,” she sighed, “I never did like you calling me, Laura.”
Carson opened his mouth in confusion frowning but before he could form the question she explained.
“I always thought that the guy I was meant to be with could call me by my name and it’d feel right,” she explained sadly.
Carson nodded, “That makes sense.”
Cadman swallowed a small tear escaping her eyes, “I wanted it to be you, Carson because if you’re not the one who is?”
Carson hugged her tightly, “We are still friends though?”
“Yes,” Cadman laughed wiping her eyes, “I don’t want to lose you, Carson.”
“No matter what,” he told her, “I’m always here for you.”
Cadman managed a smile, “So, are we still going for dinner then?”
Carson nodded and motioned her out; as they walked towards the mess Carson smiled it hadn’t been as hard as he’d been expecting. Though he couldn’t believe she still didn’t realise her own feelings for Rodney.
Things were going to be very interesting when he arrived back.
Author’s Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Enjoy
***********************************************
Radek was fiercely swearing at Rodney, wishing that the man were actually in front of him to take it. In the few days Rodney had been away, Radek’s workload had tripled, as had the number of complaints.
“Dr Zelenka?” one of his biggest problems appeared.
“Yes, Dr Matthews?” Radek grimaced as the woman walked into his lab.
“I was looking over the latest work rota,” Kim told him, “And I noticed I’m no longer working with your team.”
Radek grimaced, “Dr Matthews, whilst Rodney is away I am in charge so I have had to move some people around. If you have problems with this then you can speak to him once he returns.”
Kim gave him a smile, “No problem. I’m sure working with Dr Kavanagh will be fine.”
Radek nodded pleased when she left his lab, he didn’t trust her with anything important and putting her with Kavanagh’s team meant he could limit her access to systems.
He turned to his calendar counting the days till Rodney arrived home.
John trudged last through the Gate, glad to be back in Atlantis. The last few days had been boring as hell. Rodney’s replacement wasn’t a bad person or a bad scientist or bad in any way, she just wasn’t Rodney and John was now used to the sarcastic egotistical complaining scientist who had the ability to pull their ass out of the fire.
“Welcome back, Colonel,” Elizabeth greeted him with a grin nodding to the other three as they headed past her to the infirmary, “How was the mission?”
John rolled his eyes, “Long, boring and with nothing to show for it. The energy readings were nothing.”
“Typical,” Elizabeth sighed, “At least you don’t have to listen to Rodney complaining about it.”
John shrugged, “It’s weird but I wouldn’t have minded having him there. At least I can bait him when I’m bored.”
“Well I’m afraid your hobby will have to wait until he gets back,” Elizabeth laughed, “It’ll only be a few more weeks.”
John snorted, “And then I’ll wish he was somewhere else.”
Elizabeth waved him away, “Go see Carson and I’ll see you at the briefing.”
John threw a sarcastic salute at her before heading through the corridors of Atlantis towards the infirmary. He reached it finding Ronan, Teyla and Dr Franks already getting checked out.
“Ah, Colonel,” Carson greeted him, “Please take a seat and we’ll get to you as soon as possible for your spa treatment.”
“You’re a riot, Doc,” John replied as he took a seat watching the nearby nurse collect together the things the doctor would need.
“I try to keep my patients as upbeat as possible,” Carson grinned, “I’m taking it there are no injuries to report?”
John nodded, “I made it there and back without so much as a scratch.”
“Unusual,” Carson noted before he started the medical.
“Cadman still off world?” John asked as he and Carson sat in the mess.
“You should know,” Carson replied dryly, “You set the assignments.”
John shrugged, “Well that’s part of her job you know. Dare I ask how things are going between you two?”
Carson grimaced slightly, “Would me saying none of your business stop you?”
John shrugged, “You know me, Carson.”
“Unfortunately,” the doctor muttered.
“Hey,” John cried indignantly.
Carson gave a small laugh, “Things are complicated, John, I care about her but I’m not who she’s meant to be with.”
“Does she know this yet?” John asked motioning over Zelenka as he appeared at the entrance.
Carson shrugged, “I think subconsciously she does but we’ve never discussed anything,” he looked up with a smile as the Czech scientist arrived happy for the distraction, “Radek, how’s things?”
Radek gave him a disgusted look, “When Rodney gets back I am going on long vacation.”
Kim fumed as she paced her room. She couldn’t believe she’d been moved from her lab. She’d tried to charm Zelenka but he seemed completely uninterested in her. It possibly had something to do with the woman’s picture he kept hidden next to his computer. Kim knew she should be working on major finds but for some reason she was being refused these.
She knew McKay was due back in a few weeks so for now she would work quietly. Once he returned though she knew she could charm him properly her only problem to that being Lieutenant Cadman. Kim pursed her lips together in deep thought.
“Keep your friends close,” she murmured with a smile, “Keep your enemies closer.”
*********************************************
Rodney sighed as he packed his things, he was heading back to the SGC tomorrow and although he was glad to be heading back to Atlantis he was going to miss his sister and niece.
“Hey, genius,” Jeannie called from the other room, “Can you do me a favour?”
“Like what?” he yelled back.
“Don’t have a tantrum when I tell you who’s coming to dinner,” Jeannie replied.
Rodney grimaced and headed into the kitchen where she was cooking, “What does that mean?”
Jeannie shrugged slightly looking contrite, “Mom called. Dad’s going out tonight, so she wants to come and see you.”
“No,” Rodney snapped, “No way.”
“Rodney,” his sister started, “She’s sorry for everything and wants to see you. Come on, Rodney, she just wants to talk to you.”
“No,” he headed back to his room Jeannie following him, he grabbed his bag, “I’ll leave now.”
“Coward,” she snapped blocking his way.
Rodney glared at her; a glare that made several of those on Atlantis, both science and military, run for cover but Jeannie returned it with one of equal power.
“They made my life a misery,” he snapped.
“And she’s sorry about it,” Jeannie replied just as sharply, “You know Dad controls her, you know how he is and because you weren’t the son he wanted then he resented you and made her resent you as well. Come on Rodney, give her a chance.”
He closed his eyes and dropped the bag, “This is my last night here.”
“I know this is hard for you, Rodney,” Jeannie sympathised, “But if you ever want to get on with your life you have to start making amends with your past.”
Rodney snorted derisively, “You’ve been doing that stupid column for too long.”
“Maybe,” she shrugged annoyingly calm at his anger, “So what’s your choice, Rodney? Are you sticking around or running away like a scared child?”
“I hate you,” he snapped.
Jeannie gave a smug smile, “I know.”
Rodney couldn’t believe he was sticking around for this, he couldn’t believe that he was actually waiting for his mother to arrive. He picked up Emma off the floor as she crawled over to him and placed her on his lap. When the doorbell rang he gripped her slightly tighter. Jeannie gave an amused smile and walked past them to open the door.
“Hi, Mom,” she greeted hugging the woman there, “Come on in.”
Rodney swallowed and stood up holding the little girl, frowning as Jeannie took her daughter from him.
“Rodney,” Melissa McKay smiled at him, “You look wonderful. I almost didn’t recognise you when I saw you at the funeral.”
“Well it’s not like you’ve seen me in years,” he replied sharply.
“Rodney,” his sister hissed at him.
“What?” he snapped back.
“Knock it off,” she told him, her blue eyes blazing angrily at him.
“It’s okay, Jeannie,” their mother said softly, “He has every right to hate me.”
“I’ll go fix dinner,” Jeannie shifted Emma on her hip and headed into the kitchen leaving them alone.
Rodney stood his arms folded protectively across his chest not saying a word as his mother moved to him.
“I wish I could change things,” Melissa told him.
Rodney shook his head, “You can’t.”
“I never wanted to isolate you, Rodney,” she sighed, “You were just so hard to be close to.”
“Why?” he demanded, “Because Dad didn’t want me? Or because I’m much smarter than you?”
She sighed, “I don’t know.”
Dinner was quiet, Jeannie trying to fill in the silences while Emma picking up on the tension got upset and decided to throw her dinner all over Jeannie.
“I’d better put her down,” Jeannie took the little girl and headed away leaving them alone again.
“Jeannie says you’re heading back tomorrow to wherever you’re working,” his mother started.
“Yeah,” Rodney replied.
“I’m sorry,” Melissa whispered, “I wanted to come see you before now but…”
“Dad didn’t let you,” Rodney finished for her, “Look I have a place now, I am wanted and respected. I don’t need his approval anymore or yours.”
Melissa smiled softly, “I never doubted you wouldn’t find a place for yourself, Rodney. You are brilliant.”
Rodney ducked his head slightly; he had no problem telling others how brilliant he was but praise like that always made him self-conscious.
“Dessert anyone?” Jeannie reappeared.
The rest of the night was filled by small talk and Melissa finally decided it was time to leave.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” she told Jeannie hugging her before she turned to her son not making a move towards him, “Take care of yourself, Rodney.”
To both women’s not to mention his own surprise Rodney reached out and embraced his mother tightly. Melissa held onto him smiling as they parted, “I love you, Rodney, promise me you’ll come and see me when you come back again.”
Rodney swallowed hard, “I will. I love you too, Mom.”
*********************************************
Cadman staggered through the Gate her arm in a makeshift sling; she was in a foul mood after the fall that had dislocated her shoulder. Now she had to listen to Carson tell her off for not being careful enough while off world. She’d had to listen to Watson for the entire walk back to the Stargate about her accident.
Elizabeth Weir thankfully just waved them away without demanding an explanation from them about what had happened, Watson giving her a shrug as they all walked away.
“What happened?” Carson demanded the moment he saw her.
“It was an accident,” Cadman sat on the bed.
Carson nodded, “And what was the accident?”
“She tripped over a tree root,” Watson spoke up receiving a glare from Cadman.
Carson laughed as he gently checked her arm, “We’ll get this fixed up easily,” he promised her.
“Then I intend to sleep for a week,” Cadman groaned lying back on the bed.
Carson squeezed her good hand, “I’m sure no one will argue with that.”
She was sleeping, her shoulder had been put back into place and her arm was strapped to her body when Carson left her bedside. Her foul mood hadn’t dissipated any as he fixed it up.
Carson couldn’t help the thought that he would have liked to have Rodney there for her to shout at. It might have been easier to help her if she was snapping at Rodney instead of him. Carson shook his head knowing the time had come, they belonged with one another.
“How is she?” Elizabeth asked softly joining Carson.
“Pretty nasty dislocation but it should heal perfectly,” Carson told her, “However, she is not too happy about the thought of being stuck on Atlantis for the next few months.”
Elizabeth smiled, “I don’t think we can do anything about that. However I’m sure we can keep her busy once you clear her for some light duty.”
Carson nodded and gave her a quick smile, “Okay, the other reason I called you down Elizabeth…”
Cadman walked towards the mess hall her right arm strapped to her body.
“Good morning, Lieutenant,” Dr Matthews appeared at her side, “How’s your arm?”
“Fine, Doctor,” Cadman replied a little surprised that this woman was talking to her; they hadn’t had any contact since the one mission they’d been on together.
“It’s Kim.”
“Cadman,” she replied, realising that the other woman was looking a little insulted, “No one calls me Laura except my parents, brother and sister.”
“Why?” Kim asked as they started walking again.
Cadman laughed, “There were a load of Laura’s in my class at school so we were all given nicknames. I thankfully ended up with Cadman, though my brother-in-law insists on calling me LC.”
Kim laughed as well, “Alright Cadman. I was meant to be meeting a friend for breakfast but she’s working. Would you like to join me?”
Cadman was a little surprised by this but nodded, “Sure.”
Kim smiled as they entered the mess and headed to get breakfast.
*********************************************
Rodney picked up Emma and gave her a tight hug before gently kissing the top of her head smiling as she giggled at him. Placing her back amongst her toys Rodney turned to his sister.
“I’m going to miss you two,” he told her.
Jeannie laughed, “And you were complaining about Emma’s crying.”
He frowned at her before laughing and hugging her tightly, “Thanks, Jeannie. For everything.”
“You’re always welcome here, Rodney,” she reminded him, “You know that. Now all you have to do is promise me you’ll try and sort out things with your friend. I prefer you in a good mood when visiting.”
Rodney shrugged, “It’s not a problem anymore, Jeannie.”
“Really?” she asked suspicious.
Rodney gave another shrug, “Really. Take care of yourself and Emma and I’ll come see you two the next time I’m able to.”
Jeannie grinned and hugged him again before handing him a CD, “Here, so you can remember the people who love you back here.”
Rodney gave her one final smile before leaving. He was amazed by how fast the time had gone; now the Deadalus was due to leave in two days so it meant Rodney had to head back.
“Welcome onboard, Dr McKay,” Caldwell greeted him as Rodney stepped onto the ship.
“Colonel,” Rodney gave him a sharp nod, “I’m just going to put my things in my room then I’ll join Hermiod and Novak in the engine room.”
Caldwell nodded, “Of course, Doctor. Dr Weir mentioned you were going to go over certain systems.”
“Just want to make sure everything’s running smoothly,” Rodney replied heading away.
With a relieved sigh Rodney dropped his bag on the bed, he reached in and pulled out the CD Jeannie had given him before he’d left. He slipped it into his laptop and smiled. On it were several pictures of Emma, several from her birthday as well as just ones of her and Jeannie. He couldn’t stop his smile as he came across a picture of himself holding Emma while the next one made him scowl. Jeannie had taken a picture of him fast asleep Emma lying on top of him also asleep.
“I’ll get you for that one,” he muttered under his breath before putting the CD back in the bag, it was time to get back to work.
*********************************************
Cadman smiled as Carson appeared on the balcony to join her for dinner. She found herself drifting to this particular balcony whenever she needed to be alone and think, something about it was comforting. It never did occur to her that this was one of Rodney’s favourite places to be alone.
“How’s the arm?” he asked with a teasing grin moving to stand beside her.
“It aches a lot,” Cadman replied with a frown.
Carson laughed, “Well that’ll teach you to watch where you’re going won’t it?”
She glared at him, “You know even with one arm I can still do you damage.”
Carson held up his hands in mock defeat, “I surrender.”
“Wimp,” she teased, “Are we going to eat then?”
Carson caught her good arm as she started to move, “I need to talk to you.”
Cadman looked confused, “This sounds serious.”
“It is,” Carson replied softly, “You know I care for you a lot, don’t you?”
Cadman nodded, “Of course. I care a lot about you too, Carson.”
“But not enough that we should be dating,” Carson continued sadly.
“When did you decide this?” she demanded.
Carson reached out and gently pushed back a lock of hair that was falling into her eyes, “I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently. Laura, you are smart, fun, sweet and beautiful in every way I know and I wish I was the one you were meant to be with but I’m not.”
“Carson…”
He placed a finger on her lips stopping her from continuing, “You’ve known this for a long time yourself.”
“I guess so,” she sighed, “I never did like you calling me, Laura.”
Carson opened his mouth in confusion frowning but before he could form the question she explained.
“I always thought that the guy I was meant to be with could call me by my name and it’d feel right,” she explained sadly.
Carson nodded, “That makes sense.”
Cadman swallowed a small tear escaping her eyes, “I wanted it to be you, Carson because if you’re not the one who is?”
Carson hugged her tightly, “We are still friends though?”
“Yes,” Cadman laughed wiping her eyes, “I don’t want to lose you, Carson.”
“No matter what,” he told her, “I’m always here for you.”
Cadman managed a smile, “So, are we still going for dinner then?”
Carson nodded and motioned her out; as they walked towards the mess Carson smiled it hadn’t been as hard as he’d been expecting. Though he couldn’t believe she still didn’t realise her own feelings for Rodney.
Things were going to be very interesting when he arrived back.