Ficlet: Auld Lang Syne, Cam/Evan, John/Ronon ...
Title: Auld Lang Syne
Author: Rubygirl29
Rating: PG 13
Characters: Just about everybody from SGA and SG-1, John/Ronon, Cam/Lorne.
Setting: Post Season 5
Author's Note: Not much to say but Happy New Year! Lyrics from "That Time of Year" by the Sick Puppies.
Auld Lang Syne
Evan Lorne sighed, signed another paper and pushed it to the side. "This is not how I imagined spending New Years Eve."
John Sheppard looked up from his own paperwork. "Welcome to my world. A few months ago you would have been doing my paperwork. Deal with your own, Colonel Lorne." John grinned at Evan, once his XO and now his equal. "It's not so bad."
"What happened to 'rank has its privileges?'" Lorne asked.
"One of the privileges is approving and signing off on mission reports." John initialed the last of a stack of folders on his desk. "I'm done. Let's blow this pop stand."
"And go where?" His plans had been to spend New Years with Cam, but those had gone out the window when Wendy Mitchell had slipped on the ice and fractured her ankle. Cam had stayed in Kansas to help around the farm. He had asked Evan to stay as well, but he had been called back to SGC for a mission that had proved to be pretty pointless -- hence the paperwork he was wrapping up.
It was a good question, John thought. Where could they go? He and Lorne both were natural ATA gene carriers. He knew Lorne must feel the same ache and thrum that came from being parted from their city. So close, and yet as far away as it had ever been in the Pegasus Galaxy. They were both exiled from Atlantis because of the very gene that made them a part of the city. Obversely, Ronon and Teyla were quarantined there until they received security and medical clearances. He and Evan might as well suffer together. "The Pegasus is open," he said.
Evan thought of the pub just a few blocks from Cam's condo. He had a key. He could stay there, sleep in the bed he shared with Cam, get out from the claustrophobic atomosphere of Stargate Command. The Pegasus was as good a place as any to start the evening. "Sounds like a plan," he said, smiling. "I need a few minutes to wrap this up, shower and change."
"I'll be waiting."
John drove into town and parked down the block from the pub. Colorado Springs was decked out in its holiday finery; bright lights, shining windows, the sounds of Christmas music drifting from the storefronts even though this was the last night of the year. It was snowing lightly, but it wasn't windy or partcularly cold. John looked towards the mountains. He couldn't really see anything at this distance, but he was willing to bet that there would be powder on the runs tomorrow. Maybe he'd ask Evan to join him in some skiing or snowboarding.
They opened the door to the Pegasus, letting the rush of snow and chilly air announce their arrival. John looked around and nudged Evan with his elbow. "We've got company."
Evan looked up from brushing the snow from his hair. Sam Carter was making her way across the crowded room. She had a silly Happy New Year hat perched on her head, and a glass of red wine in her hand. "John! Evan! Come on over." She tilted her head towards the back room. Lorne still couldn't get used to Carter calling him by his given name. He was a Colonel now, equal rank. It still didn't feel right. John turned towards the bar. "I'll buy first round. What are you drinkng?"
Evan, who preferred beer, but wanted something warmer ordered a bourbon and water, low ice. He looked around the bar. There were a lot of familiar faces. Chuck was playing darts with Beckett, and Zelenka was looking cozy with Amelia Banks, which made Evan blink. Who knew? For a while, Amelia had been actively interested in Ronon, but that had fizzled out pretty quickly. Lorne had known it would; but then he had a perspective that most people didn't. She and Zelenka seemed happy together. Good for them.
John returned with a Guinness and Evan's drink. He followed the direction of Evan's gaze. "Who knew?" he echoed, and Lorne grinned at him. "Yeah."
They made their way slowly through the bar, to the back room. Sam was there with Teal'c, Vala, and Jackson. Rodney, sans Jennifer, who was taking her holiday shift at the SGC infirmary, was talking and gesturing to Daniel. Sam was texting and blushing. Interesting, John thought. He wondered if O'Neill was on the receiving end of the message. Vala was cozying up to Daniel, who wasn't exactly objecting, even if he was looking a bit sloshed. McKay's woebegone expression brightened when he saw John and Evan. And Teal'c ... he was looking amused. He'd been on Earth long enough. He knew the traditions. He wasn't drinking, which meant he must have been Sam's designated driver.
"So, is this a Happy New Year?" John asked.
Varying combinations of agreement sounded. Mostly not. That figured. John was feeling more towards the negative. At his side, Lorne was silent.
"Daniel," Vala prodded Jackson. "Move down so one of the many Colonels in this group can have a seat." She patted the bench and smiled at Lorne. "I've met Colonel Sheppard, but I don't know you."
"Colonel Lorne."
"Goodness, another Colonel? Are we being formal?" she queried brightly.
He blushed, smiled. "Evan. What should I call you?"
"With those dimples and blue eyes, you can call me anytime." When he looked slightly alarmed, she smiled up at him and held out her hand. "Vala."
"Vala." He slid in beside her.
"Wait, I do know you. You're Colonel Mitchell's friend."
He eyed her a bit warily. "Yes."
"Poor Cam, stuck in Kansas. I've been there, you know. It's rather dull, though Mrs. Mitchell makes a spectacular pie. She gave me the recipe ..."
Lorne nodded a bit absently, thinking of Cam and missing him even more than he had a few minutes ago. He finished his drink. Sheppard was nearly done with the Guiness. "Excuse me, but this next round is mine. Can I get you anything?"
"A chocotini?"
Lorne blinked. "Okay ... I think. Anybody else?"
"Guinness," John said.
The orders went around. It was a little overwhelming. Teal'c looked at him. "Do you require assistance, Colonel Lorne?"
"That would be great."
When the order was complete and paid for, Teal'c picked up the tray of drinks. Lorne let him. If he had dropped it, he'd be the butt of jokes for the rest of the night. If Teal'c dropped it, nobody would make a single derisive mutter. He snatched his own drink off the tray and went out to the deserted balcony to indulge in a few minutes of unmitigated self-pity.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"Is he all right?" Sam asked John as they watched Lorne go out to the balcony.
"It's the last night of the year," John said, as if that explained everything. He started to get up, but Sam touched his arm. "Wait," she said, and looked at the door. It opened, admitting a flurry of snowflakes that glittered in the light. Two figures stepped inside.
John squinted a bit. "What?" The woman was wearing a long coat with a fur-lined hood. She was small, graceful. She pushed the hood back just as her companion turned to the light. John knew who it was. There wasn't a doubt in his mind. Teyla and Ronon. "How?" he asked Sam. "You did this?"
Sam grinned. "I called in a few favors."
"General O'Neill did this?"
"With a little persuasion from yours truly."
"Thank you. I mean it."
John was on his feet, crossing the floor. He stood in front of Teyla, put his hands on her shoulders and gave her the traditional Athosian greeting. She returned the bow and then gave him a big hug. Then he turned to Ronon, held out his hand, and was suddenly enveloped in Ronon's embrace -- brief and hard. Only somebody who knew both men well would have seen the expression in their eyes as anything but true friendship.
Two down, one to go, thought Sam. That one might take longer, being dependent on normal air travel and not Stargates.
The table grew more crowded, but nobody seemed to mind. Vala convinced Teyla to join her in a chocotini, Sheppard got a Guinness for Ronon, and sat for a moment, enjoying the heat of Ronon's thigh pressed against his. "I'll be back," he said.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^
It was cold outside, but Evan didn't go back in. He could hear the music floating from the bar to the balcony.
"Another year has come and gone again,
Look around and think where have you been ...
It's cold outside and you should be getting into bed
Can't believe it's that time of year again ..."
That pretty much summed up his life. He had done so much. Had suffered more than he thought possible, realized he had loved more than he had dreamed. He had been injured, faced the loss of his leg, had a friend bleed to death in his arms and had seen him returned to life. And he ached tonight; physically ached for Atlantis. Not all the dulling whiskey in the world could change that. He was tired and he needed Cam. Hell, he really was having a pity party. His phone vibrated and he picked it up, not looking at the number, half hoping it was SGC with a mission ... or something.
"Lorne."
"Happy New Year." Cam sounded like he was in the next room instead of states away.
"It's not midnight," Evan said.
"Close enough. Turn around."
"What? Where are you?"
"I said turn around." Not the phone, not states away, but Cam, whispering against his ear and sliding his strong arms around Lorne's middle, pulling him close. "Happy New Year."
Evan turned, lifted a hand to brush Cam's cheek. "We can't ... not here."
"It's New Years Eve. What happens at midnight stays there." Cam kissed him, and ridiculously, fireworks went off and the music changed to Auld Lang Syne
^*^*^*^*^*^
John stood looking out at his two friends. He felt Ronon's arm heavy on his shoulders. "I guess they don't need us," Ronon said.
"No. They've got it figured out." John smiled. "We should go back in and toast the New Year."
"Then can we leave? I'd like some of what they're having."
"You are never watching chick flicks with Teyla again." He tapped on the glass. Cam waved him off without looking away from Lorne. John felt a tug of happiness for his friends. Ronon was waiting for him. The whole place was singing. John stood between Teyla and Ronon, with McKay, Sam, Vala and Teal'c. They joined hands.
Teyla swayed with the music and asked John, "What are they saying? I don't understand."
"Neither does anybody else. Except maybe Beckett. It's just tradition to sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight on New Years, and then when it's over, everybody kisses and hugs and hopes the new year will be better than the old one."
Ronon, who had been listening, shook his head. "I don't understand your people." But his eyes were soft. The song ended and waitresses were circulating with glasses of champagne. John took advantage of the opportunity to take a drink before he leaned in to kiss Ronon. Most of the room was kissing -- nobody cared.
Vala was kissing Daniel, who was kissing her back. Sam and McKay were hugging while they both checked their phones for text messages. Zelenka and Amelia seemed to have discovered they fit, and Beckett was on the phone, probably waking his mother up until Laura Cadman came over and slid her arm around his waist. At some point, Cam and Evan had come inside, looking like the fireworks had lit them up as well.
"Are we leaving?" Ronon asked plaintively.
John started turn towards the door, then he paused. "Let's stay to the end of the song." He didn't know why, but it was suddenly important to be there with his team, his friends, his lover. He didn't want to think that a year from now, there might be empty spaces around the room, in their hearts.
"Don't," Ronon whispered. "Just live for now." He slid his arm around John's shoulder, his other arm around Teyla. Cam stretched out his left arm to encircle John's waist, and pulled Evan closer with his right.
It felt perfect to be there, in this moment, in this place. A waitress came around with champagne refills, but John shook his head. He didn't need champagne to celebrate. Not tonight.
The End
Author: Rubygirl29
Rating: PG 13
Characters: Just about everybody from SGA and SG-1, John/Ronon, Cam/Lorne.
Setting: Post Season 5
Author's Note: Not much to say but Happy New Year! Lyrics from "That Time of Year" by the Sick Puppies.
Auld Lang Syne
Evan Lorne sighed, signed another paper and pushed it to the side. "This is not how I imagined spending New Years Eve."
John Sheppard looked up from his own paperwork. "Welcome to my world. A few months ago you would have been doing my paperwork. Deal with your own, Colonel Lorne." John grinned at Evan, once his XO and now his equal. "It's not so bad."
"What happened to 'rank has its privileges?'" Lorne asked.
"One of the privileges is approving and signing off on mission reports." John initialed the last of a stack of folders on his desk. "I'm done. Let's blow this pop stand."
"And go where?" His plans had been to spend New Years with Cam, but those had gone out the window when Wendy Mitchell had slipped on the ice and fractured her ankle. Cam had stayed in Kansas to help around the farm. He had asked Evan to stay as well, but he had been called back to SGC for a mission that had proved to be pretty pointless -- hence the paperwork he was wrapping up.
It was a good question, John thought. Where could they go? He and Lorne both were natural ATA gene carriers. He knew Lorne must feel the same ache and thrum that came from being parted from their city. So close, and yet as far away as it had ever been in the Pegasus Galaxy. They were both exiled from Atlantis because of the very gene that made them a part of the city. Obversely, Ronon and Teyla were quarantined there until they received security and medical clearances. He and Evan might as well suffer together. "The Pegasus is open," he said.
Evan thought of the pub just a few blocks from Cam's condo. He had a key. He could stay there, sleep in the bed he shared with Cam, get out from the claustrophobic atomosphere of Stargate Command. The Pegasus was as good a place as any to start the evening. "Sounds like a plan," he said, smiling. "I need a few minutes to wrap this up, shower and change."
"I'll be waiting."
John drove into town and parked down the block from the pub. Colorado Springs was decked out in its holiday finery; bright lights, shining windows, the sounds of Christmas music drifting from the storefronts even though this was the last night of the year. It was snowing lightly, but it wasn't windy or partcularly cold. John looked towards the mountains. He couldn't really see anything at this distance, but he was willing to bet that there would be powder on the runs tomorrow. Maybe he'd ask Evan to join him in some skiing or snowboarding.
They opened the door to the Pegasus, letting the rush of snow and chilly air announce their arrival. John looked around and nudged Evan with his elbow. "We've got company."
Evan looked up from brushing the snow from his hair. Sam Carter was making her way across the crowded room. She had a silly Happy New Year hat perched on her head, and a glass of red wine in her hand. "John! Evan! Come on over." She tilted her head towards the back room. Lorne still couldn't get used to Carter calling him by his given name. He was a Colonel now, equal rank. It still didn't feel right. John turned towards the bar. "I'll buy first round. What are you drinkng?"
Evan, who preferred beer, but wanted something warmer ordered a bourbon and water, low ice. He looked around the bar. There were a lot of familiar faces. Chuck was playing darts with Beckett, and Zelenka was looking cozy with Amelia Banks, which made Evan blink. Who knew? For a while, Amelia had been actively interested in Ronon, but that had fizzled out pretty quickly. Lorne had known it would; but then he had a perspective that most people didn't. She and Zelenka seemed happy together. Good for them.
John returned with a Guinness and Evan's drink. He followed the direction of Evan's gaze. "Who knew?" he echoed, and Lorne grinned at him. "Yeah."
They made their way slowly through the bar, to the back room. Sam was there with Teal'c, Vala, and Jackson. Rodney, sans Jennifer, who was taking her holiday shift at the SGC infirmary, was talking and gesturing to Daniel. Sam was texting and blushing. Interesting, John thought. He wondered if O'Neill was on the receiving end of the message. Vala was cozying up to Daniel, who wasn't exactly objecting, even if he was looking a bit sloshed. McKay's woebegone expression brightened when he saw John and Evan. And Teal'c ... he was looking amused. He'd been on Earth long enough. He knew the traditions. He wasn't drinking, which meant he must have been Sam's designated driver.
"So, is this a Happy New Year?" John asked.
Varying combinations of agreement sounded. Mostly not. That figured. John was feeling more towards the negative. At his side, Lorne was silent.
"Daniel," Vala prodded Jackson. "Move down so one of the many Colonels in this group can have a seat." She patted the bench and smiled at Lorne. "I've met Colonel Sheppard, but I don't know you."
"Colonel Lorne."
"Goodness, another Colonel? Are we being formal?" she queried brightly.
He blushed, smiled. "Evan. What should I call you?"
"With those dimples and blue eyes, you can call me anytime." When he looked slightly alarmed, she smiled up at him and held out her hand. "Vala."
"Vala." He slid in beside her.
"Wait, I do know you. You're Colonel Mitchell's friend."
He eyed her a bit warily. "Yes."
"Poor Cam, stuck in Kansas. I've been there, you know. It's rather dull, though Mrs. Mitchell makes a spectacular pie. She gave me the recipe ..."
Lorne nodded a bit absently, thinking of Cam and missing him even more than he had a few minutes ago. He finished his drink. Sheppard was nearly done with the Guiness. "Excuse me, but this next round is mine. Can I get you anything?"
"A chocotini?"
Lorne blinked. "Okay ... I think. Anybody else?"
"Guinness," John said.
The orders went around. It was a little overwhelming. Teal'c looked at him. "Do you require assistance, Colonel Lorne?"
"That would be great."
When the order was complete and paid for, Teal'c picked up the tray of drinks. Lorne let him. If he had dropped it, he'd be the butt of jokes for the rest of the night. If Teal'c dropped it, nobody would make a single derisive mutter. He snatched his own drink off the tray and went out to the deserted balcony to indulge in a few minutes of unmitigated self-pity.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"Is he all right?" Sam asked John as they watched Lorne go out to the balcony.
"It's the last night of the year," John said, as if that explained everything. He started to get up, but Sam touched his arm. "Wait," she said, and looked at the door. It opened, admitting a flurry of snowflakes that glittered in the light. Two figures stepped inside.
John squinted a bit. "What?" The woman was wearing a long coat with a fur-lined hood. She was small, graceful. She pushed the hood back just as her companion turned to the light. John knew who it was. There wasn't a doubt in his mind. Teyla and Ronon. "How?" he asked Sam. "You did this?"
Sam grinned. "I called in a few favors."
"General O'Neill did this?"
"With a little persuasion from yours truly."
"Thank you. I mean it."
John was on his feet, crossing the floor. He stood in front of Teyla, put his hands on her shoulders and gave her the traditional Athosian greeting. She returned the bow and then gave him a big hug. Then he turned to Ronon, held out his hand, and was suddenly enveloped in Ronon's embrace -- brief and hard. Only somebody who knew both men well would have seen the expression in their eyes as anything but true friendship.
Two down, one to go, thought Sam. That one might take longer, being dependent on normal air travel and not Stargates.
The table grew more crowded, but nobody seemed to mind. Vala convinced Teyla to join her in a chocotini, Sheppard got a Guinness for Ronon, and sat for a moment, enjoying the heat of Ronon's thigh pressed against his. "I'll be back," he said.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^
It was cold outside, but Evan didn't go back in. He could hear the music floating from the bar to the balcony.
"Another year has come and gone again,
Look around and think where have you been ...
It's cold outside and you should be getting into bed
Can't believe it's that time of year again ..."
That pretty much summed up his life. He had done so much. Had suffered more than he thought possible, realized he had loved more than he had dreamed. He had been injured, faced the loss of his leg, had a friend bleed to death in his arms and had seen him returned to life. And he ached tonight; physically ached for Atlantis. Not all the dulling whiskey in the world could change that. He was tired and he needed Cam. Hell, he really was having a pity party. His phone vibrated and he picked it up, not looking at the number, half hoping it was SGC with a mission ... or something.
"Lorne."
"Happy New Year." Cam sounded like he was in the next room instead of states away.
"It's not midnight," Evan said.
"Close enough. Turn around."
"What? Where are you?"
"I said turn around." Not the phone, not states away, but Cam, whispering against his ear and sliding his strong arms around Lorne's middle, pulling him close. "Happy New Year."
Evan turned, lifted a hand to brush Cam's cheek. "We can't ... not here."
"It's New Years Eve. What happens at midnight stays there." Cam kissed him, and ridiculously, fireworks went off and the music changed to Auld Lang Syne
^*^*^*^*^*^
John stood looking out at his two friends. He felt Ronon's arm heavy on his shoulders. "I guess they don't need us," Ronon said.
"No. They've got it figured out." John smiled. "We should go back in and toast the New Year."
"Then can we leave? I'd like some of what they're having."
"You are never watching chick flicks with Teyla again." He tapped on the glass. Cam waved him off without looking away from Lorne. John felt a tug of happiness for his friends. Ronon was waiting for him. The whole place was singing. John stood between Teyla and Ronon, with McKay, Sam, Vala and Teal'c. They joined hands.
Teyla swayed with the music and asked John, "What are they saying? I don't understand."
"Neither does anybody else. Except maybe Beckett. It's just tradition to sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight on New Years, and then when it's over, everybody kisses and hugs and hopes the new year will be better than the old one."
Ronon, who had been listening, shook his head. "I don't understand your people." But his eyes were soft. The song ended and waitresses were circulating with glasses of champagne. John took advantage of the opportunity to take a drink before he leaned in to kiss Ronon. Most of the room was kissing -- nobody cared.
Vala was kissing Daniel, who was kissing her back. Sam and McKay were hugging while they both checked their phones for text messages. Zelenka and Amelia seemed to have discovered they fit, and Beckett was on the phone, probably waking his mother up until Laura Cadman came over and slid her arm around his waist. At some point, Cam and Evan had come inside, looking like the fireworks had lit them up as well.
"Are we leaving?" Ronon asked plaintively.
John started turn towards the door, then he paused. "Let's stay to the end of the song." He didn't know why, but it was suddenly important to be there with his team, his friends, his lover. He didn't want to think that a year from now, there might be empty spaces around the room, in their hearts.
"Don't," Ronon whispered. "Just live for now." He slid his arm around John's shoulder, his other arm around Teyla. Cam stretched out his left arm to encircle John's waist, and pulled Evan closer with his right.
It felt perfect to be there, in this moment, in this place. A waitress came around with champagne refills, but John shook his head. He didn't need champagne to celebrate. Not tonight.
The End