Learning Curve (2/?)
Title: Learning Curve (2/?)
Author: Nytel
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to 408
Pairing: Ronon/Keller
Genre: Fluff, Pre-Relationship
Summary: Jen gets some private self-defense lessons.
Word Count: 3,170
Beta: The wonderful
carpenyx
Disclaimer: I am merely borrowing them. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 2
Ronon sat in the mess hall the next morning, eating his food, but not really tasting it; his mind was too preoccupied. It was early and the dining area was quiet, leaving him with nothing to do but think, and there seemed to be only one thing his mind wanted to concentrate on: Dr. Keller, or Jen as she’d told him to call her.
He’d spent almost four hours with her the night before, teaching her self-defense. Or at least the last two hours had been spent instructing her; the first two had been spent putting her at ease enough so that she could learn.
It wasn’t even that long to be around one person. He’d spent longer than that with probably a quarter of the people in the city, but for some reason she was invading his thoughts like none of them had. There was just something about her, and he didn’t even know what that something was, but it had caught his attention and wouldn’t let go.
Ronon was still deep in thought as he took another bite of his pancakes and began to chew.
Teaching her the night before had been fun, which was something he hadn’t been expecting. Normally whenever he helped out with the training of any personnel, he felt good, but only because he knew he was in some small way helping out the people who had helped him. It was never something he liked enough to say that he enjoyed.
Training with Jen had been different. And that wasn’t even including what had happened at the end of their session. When he’d told her to defend herself in any way possible, he hadn’t been expecting her to use tickling as a defensive measure. She’d caught him completely off guard, something no one else on Atlantis had ever achieved, and he’d retaliated by returning the unconventional attack.
Ronon couldn’t help but smile as he thought back on it. He didn’t think he’d ever laughed so hard or so much in his entire life-the feeling had been utterly intoxicating. Then there had been-he didn’t even know how to describe it, not even in his own mind-the moment. It had been right after they’d tripped, when he was lying flat on his back, with Jen straddling his waist. He hadn’t felt that kind of connection with anyone since… well, before.
The fact that he was suddenly feeling these things again was frightening. It had been so long… Ronon felt a wave of unease pass over him. At one time in his life he would have known exactly how to proceed and now he simply felt lost. He didn’t even know if he was ready to start down that road again. On the other hand, it had been over two years since he stopped running, and he wasn’t willing to live forever in the shadow that the wraith had cast upon his life. Maybe, just maybe it was time.
Ronon let the thoughts mull in his mind as he took another bite of food.
He was interrupted by John and Teyla, who were walking towards him chatting quietly, both holding trays laden with food.
“Morning,” he said gruffly as they sat down.
Teyla smiled at him. “Good morning, Ronon.”
“Hey,” John added amiably as he took a drink of his coffee, before spitting it back into his mug as it burned his tongue.
Teyla rolled her eyes at his antics and blew gently on her own mug of the Earth brew before taking a small sip. “Are you ready for our trading mission?” She asked him, as she began to take the wrapper off her muffin.
“Uh huh,” he replied absentmindedly, not really concentrating on the conversation.
“Should be a nice change,” John said as he started in on his own food. “I don’t mind easy every once in a while.”
Teyla responded, though Ronon didn’t catch the words. He was still thinking about the woman who hadn’t left his mind since he’d left the gym the night before.
At some point he realized the other two had stopped talking. Glancing up from his plate he saw they were both staring at him as well.
“Are you feeling alright, Ronon?” Teyla inquired, an air of concern in her voice.
“Yeah,” John added. “You seem quiet. Well, more so than usual.”
Ronon shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just tired.”
John smirked. “Late night?”
“Not like you’re thinking.”
John took another drink from his mug. “So what, couldn’t sleep?”
Ronon leaned back in his chair. “No. I was teaching self-defense.”
“Oh really,” John said slowly. “So, how is the doctor doing?”
Before he had a chance to answer, Teyla spoke. “You’re teaching the class Dr. Keller is in? I thought she told me she was unable to make any of the scheduled times.”
John’s grin widened, and Ronon knew he was in for some sort of ribbing. Sheppard turned to look at Teyla as he explained. “No, she couldn’t make any of the times, but then Ronon here volunteered to give her private lessons.”
Ronon pretended not to understand the innuendo in John’s voice even though he did, perfectly well.
Teyla seemed surprised by the information, but also pleased. “That is very kind of you Ronon.” If he hadn’t seen the questioning look she sent his way, he would have guessed from her voice that she didn’t suspect anything.
“Just trying to help,” he said simply.
Teyla smiled and John bit back a laugh, which Ronon ignored.
“Where’s McKay?” He asked, switching the subject in the hopes of avoiding more questions from his teammates.
“He’s meeting us in the briefing room,” Sheppard said. “Something about running last minute tests on a piece of equipment in the lab before we meet with Colonel Carter.”
Teyla nodded. “Yes, I believe he was just finishing up with one of his many projects.” She glanced at her watch. “Perhaps we should be going soon if we wish to meet with Colonel Carter on time.”
John checked his watch too. “Yeah, probably a good idea.”
The three of them stood up and walked over to drop off their dirty trays before heading for the door. Ronon was leading the way and as he swiped his hand over the sensor John asked him a question. Ronon turned his head to answer, but didn’t bother to pause. His feet automatically took him through the doorway, and then suddenly he bumped into someone.
He hadn’t been walking fast, but the other person was moving quickly and had been just as preoccupied as him. From the corner of his eye he saw the person stumble, and he reacted instantly, turning and grabbing their shoulders. To his surprise he found himself looking down at Dr. Keller.
“Jen,” he said, knowing he sounded surprised.
“Ronon,” she replied quickly, a flush rising to her face. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I really need to learn to watch where I’m walking.”
“It’s okay,” he said quietly, vaguely aware that his hands were still on her shoulders.
She smiled shyly, and he returned the gesture. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get the words out they heard a voice from beside them.
“Doc,” John said in acknowledgement, barely able to keep the grin off his face.
Ronon’s hands flew back down to his sides, and Jen jumped slightly. “Colonel,” she said, turning to face him. “And Teyla, sorry, I didn’t see you guys.” She fidgeted slightly and raised her right hand, revealing a travel mug. “Just getting some coffee before I start for the day.” She took a couple steps to the side, moving around them. “So, um, I should just go do that then.”
She rushed off through the doors, and both Teyla and John turned to look at Ronon, curiosity written plainly on their faces.
“We’re going to be late,” he said brusquely as he headed down the hallway toward the briefing room.
***
Jen could still feel the lingering flush on her cheeks when she reached the infirmary. She must have sounded like a babbling idiot earlier; surely she could have managed to handle herself with a tad bit more grace. She sighed as she placed the mug of coffee on her desk and tilted her head from side to side, removing a kink from her neck.
It probably hadn’t helped that she’d been thinking of Ronon as she was walking. In fact, their lesson had been on her mind continuously from the moment she left the gym until now, with the exception of when she’d been asleep. She was really looking forward to their next session. If all went smoothly in the infirmary she’d be off the same time as yesterday and would make it to the gym just in time. It would be a perfect way to end the day.
Jen didn’t have much more time to think about it though, because soon patients started rolling in. First it was Major Lorne who had just come off his night shift. He needed her to give him the all clear for his recently healed ankle so that he could get back to doing fieldwork. After that it was a scientist from the botany department complaining of severe cold like symptoms.
It wasn’t long until she lost track of the small ailments people came in for, and the day had become busy to the point of almost insanity, just like it had been every day for the past three weeks. Jen couldn’t wait until the new group of doctors arrived from Earth. Even being able to have more than just one twenty minute break for lunch throughout the day would seem like heaven.
By seven thirty in the evening, the flow of people through the infirmary had stemmed, and Jen was working on getting caught up on her paperwork, leaving some of the other doctors to tend to the more long-term patients who would be staying overnight. She was just finishing off the schedule for the next two weeks, filling in her own name for shifts that no one else could fill, when she heard a familiar voice at her elbow.
“Jennifer, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
She started a bit, but calmed the second she recognized it as Teyla’s voice. Jen rose from her chair so that she was standing facing her. “Of course not, what can I help you with?”
The Athosian smiled weakly at her, but continued on without any preamble. “I find that sometimes in the morning, I am not… feeling so well.”
Jen nodded her head, understanding at once. She took a quick glance around, making sure they were isolated from the other people in the infirmary before she replied. “That’s normal at your stage of pregnancy,” she said calmly. “Nothing to worry about.”
Teyla nodded, seeming relieved. “Is there anything I can do to… lessen the effects? Some days I find it quite hard to bring myself to get out of bed. However, once I eat breakfast, I am fine.”
Jen nodded. “There are a few things you can do. The first is to try eating five or six small meals a day as opposed to three large ones. Avoid going to bed on an empty stomach. And I can also give you some vitamins to take, to help lessen the symptoms.”
Teyla smiled. “Thank you, I would very much appreciate it.”
Jen grabbed the key to the medicine cabinet from the top of her desk. “Just give me half a second and I’ll grab some for you.” She came back with a small pill bottle in hand and passed it over to Teyla. “Take one every day. It should help.”
“Thank you,” Teyla said sincerely as she stowed the bottle in the pocket of her jacket.
“Teyla?” Jen asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
“Yes?” Teyla responded in an encouraging tone.
Jen inhaled deeply, not sure if she should be intruding into this or not, but seeing as it could become a medical matter, she decided to continue. “You’re really going to have to tell them soon, especially since you’re still going off world. If something were to happen to you out there, they need to know.”
Teyla nodded and a somber look fell across her face. “I did.”
“Oh,” exclaimed Jen, thoroughly shocked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had.”
“Almost five day ago now,” Teyla continued on in explanation. “It was… difficult.”
Jen gave her a sympathetic smile. “I can’t even imagine.”
“Ronon seemed to… take it in stride as they say. Rodney and John on the other hand… I believe it was very unexpected for them to hear.” Teyla sighed and gave Jen a small smile. “I do believe however that they are becoming accustomed to the idea.”
Jen smiled back. “That’s good, I’m glad to hear it.” She paused for a second before continuing. “And Teyla?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know how much you know about… pregnancy. And, I mean, I’ve never been pregnant, but I am a doctor, so if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Even if I don’t know the answer, I certainly know where to find it.”
Teyla seemed touched by her words. “I… thank you. It is not customary among my people to talk much of such things unless you are either betrothed or wed, and seeing as I am neither…”
Jen wasn’t pleased to see that she had guessed right, but she was pleased that she could offer Teyla some kind of reassurance. The other woman couldn’t be much older than herself, and Jen knew she’d be terrified if she was pregnant, and she was a doctor. Then there was the fact that Teyla was strong enough to face all of this without the father of the baby or the comfort of her people, something Jen suspected few other women in either of their galaxies could do.
She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Teyla’s arm. “Any time, Teyla, I mean it.”
“I may take you up on that,” she replied softly. “Though I do not wish to make you any busier than you already are.”
“It’s really not a problem. I’d rather you ask.”
Teyla nodded. “I know, but certainly with the staff shortage, and your new lessons, you are now even more pressed for time.”
Jen felt her body tense slightly with the mention of her lessons with Ronon. It almost seemed as if Teyla was probing for something, though Jen had no idea what.
“Well yeah,” she replied genially, “But according to Colonel Carter the new doctors should arrive in a few weeks, and after that things will settle down.”
Teyla shifted her stance and gave the doctor an inquisitive glance. “How was your lesson with Ronon last night?”
So she had been probing. Thankfully Jen managed to not react in any odd sort of way. “It was good,” she said simply, purposefully not mentioning the tickle fight that would probably just sound stupid to anyone who wasn’t there.
Teyla smiled warmly. “I’m pleased to hear it. Ronon had a good time as well.”
“He did?” Jen asked, puzzled.
“Yes, he told me you had another lesson this evening, and he seems to be looking forward to it.”
Jen wasn’t quite sure what to make of that information. She knew she hadn’t driven Ronon away as her teacher, and that he’d been laughing along with her at the end, but it was something else to know that he was actually looking forward to spending time with her. She felt and unexpected thrill of pleasure flow through her body, and she thought her face might have warmed, just a bit.
“That’s good,” she said quietly, and Teyla smiled knowingly.
“I should probably be going now. I’ll let you go back to your work so that you are not late to meet with Ronon tonight.”
Jen began shifting uncomfortably as Teyla stared at her a little too hard. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll see you later. And remember what I said.”
Teyla nodded. “I will. Thank you.”
As Teyla left, Jen couldn’t help but feel herself begin to get a little nervous about the upcoming lesson. Shaking it off, she replaced the cabinet key on her desk and went back to work. There was no reason to get worked up over this. She’d had a good time last night, at least after the initial fiasco, and she was determined to do so again today.
***
Once again Ronon found himself pacing the gym as he waited for Jen to show up. The day’s mission had been long and boring, and he was looking forward to doing something other than just sit around and listen to trade negotiations. Though perhaps it was good that the mission had been so bland; it had allowed him to figure things out while he sat there for countless hours.
The more he thought about Jen, the more he realized panicking about things wasn’t going to do anyone any good. His life as a runner was long gone, and it looked like this might be the point where he got to fully move past it, to truly live again. Even if nothing came from these… feelings…it was something that they even existed. He’d realized that their existence meant he wasn’t just a ruthless warrior anymore, he was human, something he hadn’t felt in years. So for now he was content to just let things progress however they did.
Ronon hadn’t been waiting very long when Jen stepped through the door. He was pleased to see that this time she greeted him with a huge genuine smile as opposed to stiff nervousness.
“Hi,” they both said at the same time.
Jen grinned and laughed. “How was your day?” She asked as she set a water bottle down on a nearby bench and made her way towards him.
“Boring,” he replied honestly. “Trade negotiations aren’t exactly thrilling.”
She grimaced. “Yeah, I can imagine.”
“You?”
She paused in front of him. “Busy.”
For the first time he noticed how truly exhausted she looked. He was about to offer to postpone the lesson so she could get some rest, but she surprised him by asking if he was ready to start.
He smiled. “Yeah. Do you want to run first again?”
“Could we?” She asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Sure, why not.” After all, they were his lessons, and if he said they needed to run first to warm up, then no one could complain.
“Sounds good,” she said as she headed back toward the door, Ronon following her. “But how about this time you pick the route.”
Instantly he thought of the bridge that he and Sheppard ran across sometimes. It was a bit out of the way, but the view was worth it. “Follow me,” he said, smiling as he took off at a moderate paced jog down the hallway.
TBC
Chapter 1
Author: Nytel
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to 408
Pairing: Ronon/Keller
Genre: Fluff, Pre-Relationship
Summary: Jen gets some private self-defense lessons.
Word Count: 3,170
Beta: The wonderful
carpenyx
Disclaimer: I am merely borrowing them. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 2
Ronon sat in the mess hall the next morning, eating his food, but not really tasting it; his mind was too preoccupied. It was early and the dining area was quiet, leaving him with nothing to do but think, and there seemed to be only one thing his mind wanted to concentrate on: Dr. Keller, or Jen as she’d told him to call her.
He’d spent almost four hours with her the night before, teaching her self-defense. Or at least the last two hours had been spent instructing her; the first two had been spent putting her at ease enough so that she could learn.
It wasn’t even that long to be around one person. He’d spent longer than that with probably a quarter of the people in the city, but for some reason she was invading his thoughts like none of them had. There was just something about her, and he didn’t even know what that something was, but it had caught his attention and wouldn’t let go.
Ronon was still deep in thought as he took another bite of his pancakes and began to chew.
Teaching her the night before had been fun, which was something he hadn’t been expecting. Normally whenever he helped out with the training of any personnel, he felt good, but only because he knew he was in some small way helping out the people who had helped him. It was never something he liked enough to say that he enjoyed.
Training with Jen had been different. And that wasn’t even including what had happened at the end of their session. When he’d told her to defend herself in any way possible, he hadn’t been expecting her to use tickling as a defensive measure. She’d caught him completely off guard, something no one else on Atlantis had ever achieved, and he’d retaliated by returning the unconventional attack.
Ronon couldn’t help but smile as he thought back on it. He didn’t think he’d ever laughed so hard or so much in his entire life-the feeling had been utterly intoxicating. Then there had been-he didn’t even know how to describe it, not even in his own mind-the moment. It had been right after they’d tripped, when he was lying flat on his back, with Jen straddling his waist. He hadn’t felt that kind of connection with anyone since… well, before.
The fact that he was suddenly feeling these things again was frightening. It had been so long… Ronon felt a wave of unease pass over him. At one time in his life he would have known exactly how to proceed and now he simply felt lost. He didn’t even know if he was ready to start down that road again. On the other hand, it had been over two years since he stopped running, and he wasn’t willing to live forever in the shadow that the wraith had cast upon his life. Maybe, just maybe it was time.
Ronon let the thoughts mull in his mind as he took another bite of food.
He was interrupted by John and Teyla, who were walking towards him chatting quietly, both holding trays laden with food.
“Morning,” he said gruffly as they sat down.
Teyla smiled at him. “Good morning, Ronon.”
“Hey,” John added amiably as he took a drink of his coffee, before spitting it back into his mug as it burned his tongue.
Teyla rolled her eyes at his antics and blew gently on her own mug of the Earth brew before taking a small sip. “Are you ready for our trading mission?” She asked him, as she began to take the wrapper off her muffin.
“Uh huh,” he replied absentmindedly, not really concentrating on the conversation.
“Should be a nice change,” John said as he started in on his own food. “I don’t mind easy every once in a while.”
Teyla responded, though Ronon didn’t catch the words. He was still thinking about the woman who hadn’t left his mind since he’d left the gym the night before.
At some point he realized the other two had stopped talking. Glancing up from his plate he saw they were both staring at him as well.
“Are you feeling alright, Ronon?” Teyla inquired, an air of concern in her voice.
“Yeah,” John added. “You seem quiet. Well, more so than usual.”
Ronon shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just tired.”
John smirked. “Late night?”
“Not like you’re thinking.”
John took another drink from his mug. “So what, couldn’t sleep?”
Ronon leaned back in his chair. “No. I was teaching self-defense.”
“Oh really,” John said slowly. “So, how is the doctor doing?”
Before he had a chance to answer, Teyla spoke. “You’re teaching the class Dr. Keller is in? I thought she told me she was unable to make any of the scheduled times.”
John’s grin widened, and Ronon knew he was in for some sort of ribbing. Sheppard turned to look at Teyla as he explained. “No, she couldn’t make any of the times, but then Ronon here volunteered to give her private lessons.”
Ronon pretended not to understand the innuendo in John’s voice even though he did, perfectly well.
Teyla seemed surprised by the information, but also pleased. “That is very kind of you Ronon.” If he hadn’t seen the questioning look she sent his way, he would have guessed from her voice that she didn’t suspect anything.
“Just trying to help,” he said simply.
Teyla smiled and John bit back a laugh, which Ronon ignored.
“Where’s McKay?” He asked, switching the subject in the hopes of avoiding more questions from his teammates.
“He’s meeting us in the briefing room,” Sheppard said. “Something about running last minute tests on a piece of equipment in the lab before we meet with Colonel Carter.”
Teyla nodded. “Yes, I believe he was just finishing up with one of his many projects.” She glanced at her watch. “Perhaps we should be going soon if we wish to meet with Colonel Carter on time.”
John checked his watch too. “Yeah, probably a good idea.”
The three of them stood up and walked over to drop off their dirty trays before heading for the door. Ronon was leading the way and as he swiped his hand over the sensor John asked him a question. Ronon turned his head to answer, but didn’t bother to pause. His feet automatically took him through the doorway, and then suddenly he bumped into someone.
He hadn’t been walking fast, but the other person was moving quickly and had been just as preoccupied as him. From the corner of his eye he saw the person stumble, and he reacted instantly, turning and grabbing their shoulders. To his surprise he found himself looking down at Dr. Keller.
“Jen,” he said, knowing he sounded surprised.
“Ronon,” she replied quickly, a flush rising to her face. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I really need to learn to watch where I’m walking.”
“It’s okay,” he said quietly, vaguely aware that his hands were still on her shoulders.
She smiled shyly, and he returned the gesture. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get the words out they heard a voice from beside them.
“Doc,” John said in acknowledgement, barely able to keep the grin off his face.
Ronon’s hands flew back down to his sides, and Jen jumped slightly. “Colonel,” she said, turning to face him. “And Teyla, sorry, I didn’t see you guys.” She fidgeted slightly and raised her right hand, revealing a travel mug. “Just getting some coffee before I start for the day.” She took a couple steps to the side, moving around them. “So, um, I should just go do that then.”
She rushed off through the doors, and both Teyla and John turned to look at Ronon, curiosity written plainly on their faces.
“We’re going to be late,” he said brusquely as he headed down the hallway toward the briefing room.
***
Jen could still feel the lingering flush on her cheeks when she reached the infirmary. She must have sounded like a babbling idiot earlier; surely she could have managed to handle herself with a tad bit more grace. She sighed as she placed the mug of coffee on her desk and tilted her head from side to side, removing a kink from her neck.
It probably hadn’t helped that she’d been thinking of Ronon as she was walking. In fact, their lesson had been on her mind continuously from the moment she left the gym until now, with the exception of when she’d been asleep. She was really looking forward to their next session. If all went smoothly in the infirmary she’d be off the same time as yesterday and would make it to the gym just in time. It would be a perfect way to end the day.
Jen didn’t have much more time to think about it though, because soon patients started rolling in. First it was Major Lorne who had just come off his night shift. He needed her to give him the all clear for his recently healed ankle so that he could get back to doing fieldwork. After that it was a scientist from the botany department complaining of severe cold like symptoms.
It wasn’t long until she lost track of the small ailments people came in for, and the day had become busy to the point of almost insanity, just like it had been every day for the past three weeks. Jen couldn’t wait until the new group of doctors arrived from Earth. Even being able to have more than just one twenty minute break for lunch throughout the day would seem like heaven.
By seven thirty in the evening, the flow of people through the infirmary had stemmed, and Jen was working on getting caught up on her paperwork, leaving some of the other doctors to tend to the more long-term patients who would be staying overnight. She was just finishing off the schedule for the next two weeks, filling in her own name for shifts that no one else could fill, when she heard a familiar voice at her elbow.
“Jennifer, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
She started a bit, but calmed the second she recognized it as Teyla’s voice. Jen rose from her chair so that she was standing facing her. “Of course not, what can I help you with?”
The Athosian smiled weakly at her, but continued on without any preamble. “I find that sometimes in the morning, I am not… feeling so well.”
Jen nodded her head, understanding at once. She took a quick glance around, making sure they were isolated from the other people in the infirmary before she replied. “That’s normal at your stage of pregnancy,” she said calmly. “Nothing to worry about.”
Teyla nodded, seeming relieved. “Is there anything I can do to… lessen the effects? Some days I find it quite hard to bring myself to get out of bed. However, once I eat breakfast, I am fine.”
Jen nodded. “There are a few things you can do. The first is to try eating five or six small meals a day as opposed to three large ones. Avoid going to bed on an empty stomach. And I can also give you some vitamins to take, to help lessen the symptoms.”
Teyla smiled. “Thank you, I would very much appreciate it.”
Jen grabbed the key to the medicine cabinet from the top of her desk. “Just give me half a second and I’ll grab some for you.” She came back with a small pill bottle in hand and passed it over to Teyla. “Take one every day. It should help.”
“Thank you,” Teyla said sincerely as she stowed the bottle in the pocket of her jacket.
“Teyla?” Jen asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
“Yes?” Teyla responded in an encouraging tone.
Jen inhaled deeply, not sure if she should be intruding into this or not, but seeing as it could become a medical matter, she decided to continue. “You’re really going to have to tell them soon, especially since you’re still going off world. If something were to happen to you out there, they need to know.”
Teyla nodded and a somber look fell across her face. “I did.”
“Oh,” exclaimed Jen, thoroughly shocked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had.”
“Almost five day ago now,” Teyla continued on in explanation. “It was… difficult.”
Jen gave her a sympathetic smile. “I can’t even imagine.”
“Ronon seemed to… take it in stride as they say. Rodney and John on the other hand… I believe it was very unexpected for them to hear.” Teyla sighed and gave Jen a small smile. “I do believe however that they are becoming accustomed to the idea.”
Jen smiled back. “That’s good, I’m glad to hear it.” She paused for a second before continuing. “And Teyla?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know how much you know about… pregnancy. And, I mean, I’ve never been pregnant, but I am a doctor, so if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Even if I don’t know the answer, I certainly know where to find it.”
Teyla seemed touched by her words. “I… thank you. It is not customary among my people to talk much of such things unless you are either betrothed or wed, and seeing as I am neither…”
Jen wasn’t pleased to see that she had guessed right, but she was pleased that she could offer Teyla some kind of reassurance. The other woman couldn’t be much older than herself, and Jen knew she’d be terrified if she was pregnant, and she was a doctor. Then there was the fact that Teyla was strong enough to face all of this without the father of the baby or the comfort of her people, something Jen suspected few other women in either of their galaxies could do.
She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Teyla’s arm. “Any time, Teyla, I mean it.”
“I may take you up on that,” she replied softly. “Though I do not wish to make you any busier than you already are.”
“It’s really not a problem. I’d rather you ask.”
Teyla nodded. “I know, but certainly with the staff shortage, and your new lessons, you are now even more pressed for time.”
Jen felt her body tense slightly with the mention of her lessons with Ronon. It almost seemed as if Teyla was probing for something, though Jen had no idea what.
“Well yeah,” she replied genially, “But according to Colonel Carter the new doctors should arrive in a few weeks, and after that things will settle down.”
Teyla shifted her stance and gave the doctor an inquisitive glance. “How was your lesson with Ronon last night?”
So she had been probing. Thankfully Jen managed to not react in any odd sort of way. “It was good,” she said simply, purposefully not mentioning the tickle fight that would probably just sound stupid to anyone who wasn’t there.
Teyla smiled warmly. “I’m pleased to hear it. Ronon had a good time as well.”
“He did?” Jen asked, puzzled.
“Yes, he told me you had another lesson this evening, and he seems to be looking forward to it.”
Jen wasn’t quite sure what to make of that information. She knew she hadn’t driven Ronon away as her teacher, and that he’d been laughing along with her at the end, but it was something else to know that he was actually looking forward to spending time with her. She felt and unexpected thrill of pleasure flow through her body, and she thought her face might have warmed, just a bit.
“That’s good,” she said quietly, and Teyla smiled knowingly.
“I should probably be going now. I’ll let you go back to your work so that you are not late to meet with Ronon tonight.”
Jen began shifting uncomfortably as Teyla stared at her a little too hard. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll see you later. And remember what I said.”
Teyla nodded. “I will. Thank you.”
As Teyla left, Jen couldn’t help but feel herself begin to get a little nervous about the upcoming lesson. Shaking it off, she replaced the cabinet key on her desk and went back to work. There was no reason to get worked up over this. She’d had a good time last night, at least after the initial fiasco, and she was determined to do so again today.
***
Once again Ronon found himself pacing the gym as he waited for Jen to show up. The day’s mission had been long and boring, and he was looking forward to doing something other than just sit around and listen to trade negotiations. Though perhaps it was good that the mission had been so bland; it had allowed him to figure things out while he sat there for countless hours.
The more he thought about Jen, the more he realized panicking about things wasn’t going to do anyone any good. His life as a runner was long gone, and it looked like this might be the point where he got to fully move past it, to truly live again. Even if nothing came from these… feelings…it was something that they even existed. He’d realized that their existence meant he wasn’t just a ruthless warrior anymore, he was human, something he hadn’t felt in years. So for now he was content to just let things progress however they did.
Ronon hadn’t been waiting very long when Jen stepped through the door. He was pleased to see that this time she greeted him with a huge genuine smile as opposed to stiff nervousness.
“Hi,” they both said at the same time.
Jen grinned and laughed. “How was your day?” She asked as she set a water bottle down on a nearby bench and made her way towards him.
“Boring,” he replied honestly. “Trade negotiations aren’t exactly thrilling.”
She grimaced. “Yeah, I can imagine.”
“You?”
She paused in front of him. “Busy.”
For the first time he noticed how truly exhausted she looked. He was about to offer to postpone the lesson so she could get some rest, but she surprised him by asking if he was ready to start.
He smiled. “Yeah. Do you want to run first again?”
“Could we?” She asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Sure, why not.” After all, they were his lessons, and if he said they needed to run first to warm up, then no one could complain.
“Sounds good,” she said as she headed back toward the door, Ronon following her. “But how about this time you pick the route.”
Instantly he thought of the bridge that he and Sheppard ran across sometimes. It was a bit out of the way, but the view was worth it. “Follow me,” he said, smiling as he took off at a moderate paced jog down the hallway.
TBC
Chapter 1