Fic: In a Family Way (6/6)

[sgarb_mod]

Story info and warnings can be found in part 1.


Over the next few days, John worked hard to start fixing some of the damage. He continued to see the ninja, and he made a point of being seen eating in the mess at least once a day.

He was getting antsy though. This forced inaction was driving him nuts, but since being nuts was what got him here in the first place, he was working hard to control it.

He was sitting on the side of the pier wondering how the surfing was on the mainland, and who he could bribe to take him over there-or let him have access to the Jumpers again-when he heard someone clear their throat behind him.

He turned in just enough time to get a face-full of Yellow. "Ah...hi," McKay said quietly. John caught the tail end of his wave when he finally moved Yellow to the side so he could see and breathe.

John grinned. "Hi. Have a seat. The view is spectacular."

"Thanks," McKay said, shuffling over to sit next to John. He was in jeans and sneakers. It was weird not to see him in his usual science uniform. "The rest of the squid are in the labs helping Radek. Apparently he speaks squid."

Laughing, John shook his head. "I don't think there's a language yet Radek doesn't speak."

"I guess," he said with a smile that encompassed both John and Yellow. "You doing okay?"

"Yeah. Restless, but okay. I hate being inactive for this long, but I know why I am, so I'm trying not to let my boredom get out of hand." John chuckled.

"Oh god, have you started building things in the unsettled parts of the city yet?"

That startled a full laugh out of him. "Not yet, but close. I figured that might be seen as a step back if I started building a Ferris wheel on the pier. What about you? They won't let me in the labs while I'm on leave, otherwise I would have come and played light switch for a while. How are things going?"

McKay shrugged. "I can't believe you married someone with that laugh of yours. It can scare small animals away," he said, a half-smile softening his words. "Radek won't let me back in the labs yet, but the squid are allowed in. They're spying for me anyway, so it's good. Keller said the headache should finally be gone later today."

"You know Radek won't let anyone blow up the lab while you're gone."

"I know, but it's still my lab."

John laughed again softly. "At least the headache is almost gone. Keller was afraid it would take a lot longer."

"I know. I was worried, too." McKay shrugged. "I think I'm tired of sleeping, though. I never thought I would ever say that."

"I know what you mean. I used napping to help pass the time at first, but I just couldn't sleep anymore. Which is why I'm out here. I figure if I'm going to be bored out of my skull, I might as well have a nice view for it."

McKay chuckled quietly. "Yeah. I understand. Yellow wanted to say hi so we decided to wander out this way."

"I've missed her." John smiled as she curled up. "I had forgotten how nice it was to have a warm body curled against me at night until she crawled in bed with me."

"They remind me of my cat. Granted, they have no hair and they're a lot larger, but yeah... kind of the same."

"Exactly." John leaned back so he was propped on his elbows, legs still dangling off the side of the pier. "Just that feeling of having someone-or thing-that actually wants to sleep next to you, and loves you no matter what you do or say. I kind of wish we could have pets out here."

"You know the rules and regulations. And god-forbid Woolsey bend one of them a little. I still think he's having conniption fits about the squid."

"Yeah, if there wasn't so much else going on, he'd probably still be trying to find ways to separate you."

"Maybe. I think he's just getting used to them. I would have loved to have been on that call to explain why I had four squid living with me." McKay chuckled lightly. "So...the time in bed has got me thinking...you know about the jealousy thing and your man crush."

John shot him a look. "I don't have a man crush. You have to stop calling it that."

"Why? I call it like I see it."

"Because that's so... girly."

"I refuse to use bromance."

"No. Why do you need to label it? Why can't we just say I was a little jealous and leave it at that?"

"Because it's more than just...that." McKay turned, narrowing his eyes at him. "Isn't it? You don't get...jealous at squid because you miss hanging out with someone."

John resisted the urge to squirm, but from the look in Rodney's eyes, he had a feeling he hadn't been too successful. "Even if it was, I can't do anything about it. Not and keep my job, so it's a moot point."

"So that's it, end of story?"

Leaning his head back, John looked up at the sky. "What else is there? You're my best friend, Rodney. I already went nuts when I just didn't get to hang out with you as much. I don't know how well I'd take it if I lost even that."

"I guess that depends on you," Rodney said. John could feel his gaze on him. "Do you want it to be something...else?"

Despite himself, John felt his breath hitch. Given he was currently shirtless and more or less splayed out, he doubted Rodney missed it. "What if it was, and someone found out?"

"I don't have an issue with it, but I know for you it's more...complicated."

John swallowed. "I know even on leave you still hack the servers. So tell me the truth. After the whole thing in the mess, how many people on the base already assume we are...more?"

Rodney chuckled quietly. "Honestly, I checked my email once. The headache didn't allow for much else and I don't ever listen to rumors, so I have no idea. Ask Lorne."

"Right after he and I had a talk, and I kind of got the feeling he thought it was something that spilled out of places he didn't want to ask about, and I wasn't about to tell him about."

"Right. So...where does this leave us?"

John swallowed again. "I guess it means that... Hell, I suck at this. Do you really want that? I can guarantee you I will be clueless and probably jealous and god only knows what else."

"Have you ever?"

"Driven people away because of stupidity? I've been doing that my whole life."

McKay sighed loudly. "No, not that. The other...thing. You know." His hands waved in some kind of weird and obscene manner.

John felt the flush running all the way down his chest. Damn. "Ah. Um. No? I mean, I don't think a few hurried hand jobs in a supply closet count."

"Is this something you even want?" McKay asked, sounding a little...exasperated.

This was officially the most awkward conversation John had ever had. He had a feeling he looked like he was sunburned. "I might have been, um, getting off, thinking about it, lately."

"You might have? God, John, do you even know what you want?"

With another swallow, John decided to do what was probably the bravest step he had ever taken. He opened his eyes and looked at Rodney. "You. I want... you. I just... I'm not good at this, and I don't want to hurt you again."

Rodney snorted. "Well, then we probably shouldn't even try because I know you're going to do something stupid at some point."

John gave him a small smile. "As long as you know that going in, that I suck at relationships and you don't hold that against me..."

"Ditto."

"So."

"I'm not going to jump you if that's what you're worried about."

"I might be disappointed about that, actually."

"We're not exactly somewhere...private you know."

"True. So. If we're going to continue this conversation, we should probably go somewhere less public."

"I guess that depends on how you want this conversation to proceed," Rodney said quietly. "We can change the subject, too."

John licked his lips. "I... don't want to change the subject. I've never done this, but I've also never... let anyone this close. But if you want to change the subject... have you ever? You know?"

"I'm a scientist. Of course I have. You need to be able to compare and contrast and draw your own conclusions."

"So would you be interested in... conducting a few experiments with me?"

Rodney chuckled. "I think that was the reason for this whole conversation."

"Right. Because you brought it up." John let himself, for the first time-at least that he was willing to admit-really check out his friend. He felt his body responding, and he knew in his current position, with the thin sweats he had on, Rodney would be able to see it.

"You know, staying here any longer with you like that might not be a good idea. Sunburn and all."

"Yeah. I'm already feeling a bit warm."

"Yellow," Rodney said as he rose to his feet. "I need you to go and stay with Radek for a while. Don't ask me why, it's just important that you do this. I'll let you know when you can come home. Okay?"

Yellow looked confused. "Okay, Daddy. Everything fine?"

"I think everything will be very fine."

"Okay."

Rodney smiled at her. "You can walk back to the city with us if you want."

She bounced around, as John climbed to his feet. He couldn't believe they were going to do it. Go back to the room and... have sex. God. John licked his lips.

"Nothing has to happen today, John," Rodney said quietly as they moved back to the city. "We could just...see where it goes."

"I know." John gave him a quick smile. "I just feel like a girl going to the prom, knowing she's going to get to do illicit things for the first time."

"Oh god, not in front of the kids."

John chuckled.

The rest of the way back to the city was done in silence, John's stomach doing weird things as they got closer to their destination. Rodney sent Yellow off to the labs once they were inside at a transporter before they headed to Rodney's room-or mini apartment.

Once they were in, and the door was closed, John wasn't sure what to do. Should he kiss him? Touch him? Who made the first move when there was no girl?

"Want to put on a movie?"

That wasn't what he was expecting, but he nodded. "Okay." He moved to the couch and debated where to sit. On the side? In the middle? God, he was so fucked up. He finally just sat down in the middle, disgusted with himself.

"Just relax. I'm not going to do anything," Rodney said with a quiet exasperation. "Relax. This will go or not go today. We're just here to see what happens nothing more."

"I know. I know, it's just... honestly, it's not even all the guy thing. I haven't actually had sex in like eight years. I know you think I've been sleeping my way across the galaxy, but yeah. I sort of have performance anxiety."

Rodney snorted. "One word: Chaya."

"That wasn't sex. It was coerced glowy... sharing. There was no touching, no kissing, no real physical anything."

"The princess from that alter-Atlantis planet."

"She came to my room and stripped, but I wasn't interested. She tried, I'll give her that, but there was no way in hell I was going to sleep with her. She reminded me too much of my ex-wife."

"Norina."

John rolled his eyes. "I didn't sleep with any of them. I know you thought I did, but I didn't. I'm not saying they didn't try to get me into bed with them, but sleeping around lost its appeal a long time ago, and I do know how much trouble it could cause if I started sleeping with aliens."

Rodney brought over two bottles of water and sank down on the couch next to John handing him one. "There is no way that you've not had sex since we got here. That's statistically impossible."

"Actually, I haven't had sex since just before the whole incident in Afghanistan that led to the black mark and exile to Antarctica."

"Right. Like I actually believe that."

"I haven't. I know you think I'm some kind of sex stud, but I'm really not."

"But look at you!" Rodney said, gesturing toward John's body. "Men and women fall all over themselves as soon as you walk into a room."

John shifted. "That makes me really uncomfortable, to tell you the truth."

"You're like some kind of sex god. I find that disturbing. And I'm very envious if you must know the truth. I'm a good looking man, but next to you I can't hold a candle."

"I'm not a sex god. Seriously." John felt the blush starting again. "I don't really like when people try to touch me all the time. You're the first person I've actually wanted to touch me in a long time."

Rodney shifted next to him, his hand resting on John's thigh near his knee. "Are you sure about that?

It was... really nice. John nodded. "I'm sure."

"Okay, good," Rodney said, reaching out with his other hand to shove a DVD in the laptop drive. "Iron Man, okay?"

John blinked, dragging his brain back to movies. "Yes. Okay. At least the science in this one makes sense, sort of. You could totally build me an Iron Man suit if you wanted to. Which would be seriously awesome, by the way."

Rodney snorted as he settled in next to John, really close to John. "You think I haven't considered it?"

"It would solve the problem of me getting hurt as much when I have to do something you don't like. Plus, the ability to fly. Seriously cool." John put his arm round Rodney.

"But we can't have you being even more reckless if you think you're indestructible," Rodney said, shifting again, his hand hitching up higher on John's leg.

"Mmmm, true. I have to admit, I'd be tempted to try and take out a hive ship by myself. So maybe it's better this way." Swallowing, John leaned a little more into Rodney's space. He smelled good.

"So movie?"

"Yeah." John took a deep breath and decided to say screw it. When Rodney turned his head to look at him, John closed the distance and, very softly, brushed his lips over Rodney's.

It was...weird and nice and strange all at the same time. Rodney's lips were soft-softer than he though they should be and the way he kissed back-slow and gentle was so different than from what he expected.

John leaned further in, his tongue darting out for a little taste.

Rodney let out a weird amused huff and tilted his head to the side and pressed in, deepening the kiss.

John couldn't stop the moan. It was... no kiss had ever felt like this. Rodney tasted like coffee and chocolate and... Rodney.

He backed off a few moments later, grinning up at John. "So. I wasn't expecting that."

John licked his lips, chasing the flavor. "I was tired of being nervous about it. Figured I would break the ice." John reached out to cup Rodney's face. "Better than expected. And I expected a lot."

"And here I was going to...ease you into it. Movie. A little necking maybe. But no. You had to just...do your reckless thing."

John grinned. "You know me, I just can't help rushing into dangerous situations." He leaned in and kissed Rodney again, pulling back when they were both breathless. "And you are so very, very dangerous in all the right ways."

Rodney shifted on the couch next to him. "So, we have this movie running..."

"Necking during movies is a time-tested tradition."

"Is it now?"

"Definitely."

"And this is something you might be interested in?"

"I never start something unless I intend to finish it, McKay."

"Oh really?" Rodney asked, his eyes widening a little, the black of his eyes widening in arousal. It was interesting to see those changes in his friend.

John swallowed hard. Hell, he was hard, and all they had done was a little light kissing. "Yup. What about you, Rodney? Are you going to finished what you started?"

"I don't know, it all depends on how the...experiment goes. I can't have it...blowing up in my face now can I? That wouldn't be responsible of me."

"True, but no risk, no reward, right?"

"Mmm, I'm not sure about that."

"You'll never know if you don't try."

Rodney snorted quietly, a smile on his face. "You know there's an awful lot of talking going on and very little movie watching."

"Whose fault is that? I wanted to neck and watch Iron Man." John grinned at him.

"Right, sure you did. You were about ready to jump out of your skin," he said, his hand shifting a little higher on John's leg.

"Nervous I'll do something wrong doesn't mean I don't want to try." John took Rodney's hand and moved it all the way up, where the other man could feel how interested he was.

"Oh...well," Rodney said, swallowing hard as he looked down at their hands. "This is new."

John shifted his hips up. "God, it's been so long since anyone other than me touched my dick. Feels good..."

"Let's...take this slow. Okay?"

"Yeah. I want to savor." God, it really had been so long. Just feeling someone other than his own hand touching him that way... God.

"I'm not a side of beef, you know," Rodney said, shifting on the couch, his hand squeezing a little.

Moaning, John arched a little. "Know... you're... not. So much better. God... So much better." He leaned in to catch Rodney's mouth in another kiss.

This time John got a small moan from Rodney as they kissed. It was even better this time.

When they broke again, John was panting. "If this feels this amazing going slow, doing it naked is going to be fucking amazing."

Rodney looked at him and just started laughing. "God. This is going to be one interesting ride."

John grinned. "A long, interesting ride. I don't think I'm going to be able to let you go, McKay."

"I guess we'll find out," Rodney said as he turned, his hands cupping John's face as he leaned in again, this time for a deep kiss John swore he could feel down to his toes.

All he could do was open up and let Rodney in. Let him have everything.

"Okay..." Rodney said after several minutes, resting his forehead against John's and panting. "I'm going to ruin my back like this. Screw the couch. We're going to the bed now." He rose and tugged John with him impatiently.

Laughing, John let himself be pulled up, offering no resistance. "They don't call you a genius for nothing."

"And there is going to be much less...stuff in the way."

"Also a good plan."

"We don't have all night. I can only keep the squid away for so long."

"Who knew it would take four telepathic squid to bring us to this point. We live seriously weird lives. And I'm already shirtless, so you have to start stripping first. It's only fair."

"Oh, is it?" Rodney asked with a smirk as they finally made it into the bedroom.

"Yes. Definitely. In the interest of being fair and equal."

"Well, then, I think you need to do something about it. I mean, if it's something you want. I'm not going to do all the work here."

Biting at his lip, John stepped closer and fingered the hem of Rodney's shirt. When he didn't object, John pulled it off and tossed it aside, pausing to look at his friend and soon to be lover. "God, you're really pretty. I had noticed, but I never really admitted that I noticed. You know?"

He shivered slightly, his nipples perking up. "Guys are not pretty," he said with a glare.

"You are." John stepped closer and with a soft touch, ran a finger along Rodney's chest. "You have the most amazing eyes, and your hands..."

"I am not pretty," Rodney said, a small moan escaping as John ran a finger over a nipple.

"Mmmm. You like this?" John ran a firmer finger over the nipple, twirling a few circles around it.

"Ah...yeah, more than I should. They have a mind of their own...always have."

John purred and leaned in to drag his tongue over one. He had always had a thing for nipples.

"God," Rodney sighed, shuddering and shoving John away slightly. "Okay, right. Why did you have to be such a quick study? Bed. Now."

Chuckling, John shimmied out of his sweatpants and sat on the bed.

Rodney stood there for a long moment, just looking at him, a slack-jawed expression on his face. It was rare that Rodney McKay was ever speechless.

John licked his lips. "Is the staring a good or bad thing?"

Rodney glanced away quickly, a slight blush staining his cheeks. "It's just that this is something I never thought I ever would get and it's a little...overwhelming that you're here like this," he said, gesturing toward John. "I keep wanting to pinch myself to wake up, but at the same time I don't want the dream to end."

"You could strip and join me."

"And see, that's just something you would say...in my dream." The red deepened on his cheeks, spreading down toward his chest.

"You dreamed about me?" John was naked and so really couldn't hide how much that kind of turned him on.

"Okay, right, let's just move on to something else besides talking about that," Rodney said, reaching for the buttons on his pants. "Naked. You wanted me naked, right?"

"Yes. Very naked." John decided to see if he could put that slack look on Rodney's face again, so he leaned back and splayed his legs, stroking himself slowly.

It worked perfectly. Rodney's eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and his hands immediately stopped moving as he took everything in.

"Come on, McKay. You're supposed to be a great multi-tasker." John grinned. It was a heady experience to be the one to derail that massive brain.

Rodney sputtered a few times before he started tugging off his pants. "It's not my fault when you keep....flashing all that...body...too thin body. I'm probably going to get stab wounds from your hip bones."

"It's not my hipbones I want to stab you with." Okay, John knew it was unbelievably corny, but he couldn't resist.

That stopped Rodney again, but this time his look was a cross between surprise, amusement, and revulsion. "Okay. It's official. No really bad jokes. Totally ruins the mood."

John laughed. "Admit it, you thought it was funny."

"I will admit no such thing," he said, pulling off his pants and boxers. He turned and stood up straight, his hands on his hips. "In fact, I should make it a rule in the bedroom."

John stopped paying attention, since he was riveted. Rodney's body was... amazing. John finally let himself admit how much he wanted another man. That he had probably always found men attractive but hadn't ever let himself go there. His mouth was dry, and he just wanted to touch.

"What? Do I have something on me? Is there a bug or something crawling on me?" He immediately started moving around, trying to find the invisible lint.

"You're just... amazing. God... Just... Wow. Beautiful."

"Okay," Rodney said with a scowl. "I'm a guy and beautiful and pretty are not adjectives which are allowed."

"But you are." John swallowed hard. "Come here. I want to touch you."

Rodney shifted forward, climbing up on the bed-huge bed!-next to John. "You do know I'm not really expecting you to do anything you're not comfortable with, right?"

"I know. So lay down and let me play." John pushed him down and straddled him. "Right now, I just want to touch you."

Rodney chuckled lightly, but moaned as John shifted his weight letting it settle on his thighs. "God," he said, wiggling a little under John. "If I'm going to die from sensory overload, this is the way to go."

"No dying today. Just pleasure." John ran his fingers over Rodney's nipples again, then palmed him down his sides.

"John..." Rodney moaned, shivering under John's touch. His cock was curled in toward his stomach, the tip dripping cum.

John had never touched another man's dick before. He ran a finger along Rodney's lightly. When he found he didn't mind it, he carefully wrapped a hand around it. "Is this okay?"

"Oh god yes, very okay," he said a little breathlessly.

"Good." John smiled. He tried a few different angles and grips before he found one that felt natural to try stroking Rodney slowly.

Rodney's fingers were clenched into the mattress, fingertips turning in as his entire body shuddered as John stroked him.

"Good?" John asked softly.

"Ohgodyes."

John hummed. He stopped stroking and carefully laid himself out across Rodney's body. "I want to try naked kissing now."

Rodney moaned, bucking up into John's body. "Yeah, that's good," he said before pushing John off to the side, rolling so they were face to face.

John dove in and captured Rodney's mouth, feeling more confident now.

The kissing was...awesome. Rodney's free hand wandered over his skin-along his side and ass, stroking him. Fingers would dig in every now and then as the kiss got intense.

Suddenly, their cocks just seemed to line up, and naked kissing took on a whole new level.

Rodney hooked a leg over John's, tugging them closer.

After that, John stopped being able to catalog individual sensations. It all just blurred together into a massive pleasure eruption.

His climax actually snuck up on him.

He felt Rodney shudder through one, and then they both panted against each other's shoulders. "Wow."

"Yeah..." Rodney said a few moments later as he curled in toward John.

"If naked kissing was that good. Damn. We have some seriously hot sex to catch up on."

"Might actually explode or something, though," Rodney panted, his breath drifting across John's damp skin.

"Mmmm, I don't think you can die from orgasms."

"Never...never know," Rodney said, his body starting to melt against John's.

John curled in closer, pulling Rodney against him even tighter. "If you could, talk about a way to go, though."

Rodney snorted quietly. "Right. If it's all the same to you, I'd rather live."

"Me, too. So we can have more insanely good orgasms."

"I'm just waiting for the morning freak-out."

"I've had a lot of time on my hands to think about it. I got all that out of my system in advance."

"Thinking and doing are two very different things." Rodney sighed quietly. "Okay. We should probably shower. The squid want to come home."

John chuckled. "You know they were probably in your head the whole time eavesdropping."

"I'm trying not to think about that."

Laughing, John sat up and held a hand out to pull Rodney up as well. "They were all very concerned that you weren't happy." He stepping in closer and gave Rodney another kiss, amazed he could do this now. "I hope to change that."

"I'm more concerned with them walking in on us and I don't think I could deal with that right now. So. Shower and then clothes." He paused forehead scrunching. "And we're quickly running out of time. Come on." He dragged John into the bathroom. The water clicked on as soon as they were through the door.

They got in the shower together, and John snuck in a few more chances to touch.

"Come on, there's no time for that," Rodney grumbled as he handed John a facecloth and the soap. He picked up the shampoo bottle and started washing his hair.

John gave him a small smile and took the bottle, quickly getting himself clean. If there was one thing a career military man could do, it was shower fast. So he was done before Rodney.

John was out of the shower drying off when he heard the first thump come from the living room. It was quickly followed by Rodney's, "Oh nonononono."

John wrapped the towel around his waist and walked out. "Hey guys."

The squid were...bouncing. Various Post-It Notes asked questions about him and Rodney. "Are you our new Daddy?", "Are you staying?", "Why are you naked?", "Where are you sleeping now?", "How did you make Daddy so happy?", "Why are you so hairy?"-among others.

John blinked. "Okay, one at a time. Blue, you go first. One question, and then you have to let someone else ask. We'll go around in circles until everyone has had all their questions answered."

There was a flurry of activity for a moment and then his question was raised up. "Why are you naked?"

"Because I just took a shower. Red, you're next."

"Why are you so hairy?"

John looked down. "I don't think I'm any hairier than any other man, but it's just a product of genetics I suppose. Yellow?"

"But you're hairier than Daddy."

John glanced back at Red. "I won't count that as a question. Every person is different from every other person. It's what makes us unique and special. Now let Yellow ask her question."

"Why did you take a shower in Daddy's bathroom?"

John shrugged. "Because I got messy here, so it makes sense to clean up here, doesn't it?"

"How did you get messy?"

He hesitated with that one. He knew Rodney didn't want to give the birds and the bees speech. "Your Daddy and I got messy making each other happy."

Four different tentacles and notes went up. "Yes. We know."

He smiled. "So, your Daddy and I were making each other happy, got messy, and then decided to clean up. That clears it all up, right?"

Four tentacles flashed four "No" notes at him.

He sat down on the couch, careful to make sure he didn't flash anyone. "Okay, then. Green, I think it was your turn."

There was a long pause and then Green waved his question. "Are you naked under the towel?"

John blinked. "Yes. I just got out of the shower, and I haven't had a chance to find clean clothes yet."

Red was back waving another note. "Why not?"

"Well, you guys got back a little faster than we thought, and your Daddy was still in the shower, so I just came on out."

Four more notes. "You showered with Daddy?"

"Yes, sharing a shower was faster than one of us having to wait. I just shower faster than he does because I've spent so many years in the military using community showers."

"Having fun yet?" Rodney asked as he stepped into the room, fully dressed.

John glanced over, taking a moment to admire. "We're playing 20 questions."

Rodney snorted. "Yeah, I heard. You know they're not going to give up until you tell them to stop."

"Well, I figured you could take over while I go put on clothes, since apparently my being naked under the towel is one of the issues. Speaking of which, can I borrow some clothes?"

Rodney paused for a moment, a weird look passing over his face. "Ah...what's wrong with yours? You came here in clothes."

"Which are dirty, and I'm clean."

"You didn't...come in them. They're fine."

"They're sweaty and dirty. I hate putting dirty clothes on after I've showered."

"Then you should of thought of that before. And besides, my clothes won't fit you."

John looked at him. "Yes they would, and why is it a big deal? I'll give them back."

"People will know!" he hissed.

"I thought we already established that they've all thought we were together since pretty much as soon as we walked through the gate the first time."

"It's your career," Rodney replied and John could hear the unmentioned 'you idiot' added to the end.

John sighed. "All right, I'll put my dirty, smelly clothes back on. But if you won't let me wear your clothes after a shower, I'm moving stuff in here."

"Ah...really?"

"Yes, really. I hate putting on dirty clothes after a shower, so if you won't let me wear yours, I'm moving some stuff in here to put on."

"So...ah...you want to do that more?"

John blinked. "You don't? I was sort of under the impression it was going to be an ongoing and long term sort of thing."

"I'm just still expecting a freak out."

"I've been freaking out and almost killing myself for weeks now because I didn't want to acknowledge how much it bothered me that I didn't have you all to myself, or why I even cared about that. I think it's all out of my system now."

Rodney offered a tentative smile. "Well, I'm sure there's enough of me to go around."

"And I don't mind sharing when I get to have you in my bed." John stepped in and pressed a kiss to Rodney's lips. "I meant it. I've done a lot of thinking. It took me a long time to admit I was having issues, and even longer to admit what the problem was. But now..."

Rodney slid his hands around John's waist and tugged him closer. "But now..."

"Now I know what I want, and I'm not going to let it go. Unless you kick me to the curb, you're sort of stuck with me."

"No, no curb kicking," he said leaning in.

"Good." John ghosted his lips over Rodney's again.

Rodney hummed, pressing in closer. He tilted his head to the side and swiped his tongue along John's bottom lip before closing the distance once again.

"What are you doing?" The chorus filled John's head, and from the way Rodney jerked, he had a feeling it had been directed at both of them. They had forgotten about the squid.

Rodney groaned and leaned his forehead against John's shoulder. "Talking to John."

"You were licking each other. Do you taste good?" Blue moved closer and had a determined sort of feel to him. A moment later, John felt a... lick?... across his leg that dragged to Rodney.

"Hey! Stop that!"

"Trying to figure out why you're licking each other, Daddy."

"It's something you can do when you're older."

"Why?"

"Because I'm older and I know better and I said so."

"Do you have to be naked to lick each other?"

"We were kissing, and that's something you can learn about when you're older."

"What's kissing?"

Rodney sighed and started to step back away from John. "Okay, are you guys hungry? I'm thinking it's time for dinner."

John got the edges of a grumble about the end of question time, but they all took off for the kitchen anyway. He took the opportunity to put his clothes back on before wandering in to join them.

Rodney was making something in the Ancient's microwave/oven contraption and talking to the squid about their day. It was weird to hear the one-sided questions, but it was obvious they were communicating both ways from the way Rodney was posing his questions and replying.

It was... domestic. And nice. John leaned against the wall and just watched.

Rodney glanced his way after a while, his eyes widening. "Oh. You need a shirt."

"I was out getting a tan earlier, remember. And you don't want me wearing your clothes."

"I can find something...non-descript. I can't have the masses mauling you."

John felt a grin curling his lips. "Are you getting jealous over the thought of someone else seeing me shirtless?"

"I...just think, it's better for everyone if you're not showing your..." Rodney's hand waved at him, "...to everyone."

"Showing my what?" John looked down. "All the private parts are covered."

"Just..." Rodney made a face and stomped into the bedroom. After several drawers opened and closed he appeared, shoving a familiar black t-shirt into John's hands. "Here and I want no comments from you about it."

John felt a grin starting to stretch across his face. "You have one of my t-shirts?"

"I said not a word."

John pulled the shirt on, still grinning. "How did you even get it? I'm usually pretty good about keeping track of them."

Rodney was quiet for a few minutes, as he finished giving the squid the rest of their dinner. "Remember the time when we were on the planet with all of the blue flowers and we had to stay overnight? Well, you left the shirt behind when you were packing up and I grabbed it and I just..." He shrugged.

John blinked. "You've had my t-shirt for what... almost two years? Christ, I really am oblivious, aren't I?"

Rodney shrugged. "I wasn't exactly going to...wave the flag."

Pulling up a chair, John sat down and watched the squid eat. "You know, I really didn't have a clue. When you had to stop going on missions with us... I honestly didn't know why I was so pissed off. I like the squid. I like you. It's not like I wasn't seeing you... It took a while to figure out. And a ninja doctor."

"Can we talk about this another time? I think I'm just about all shared out for today."

"Yeah. Or never. We could agree that over sharing time is done, and just do the nonverbal thing."

Rodney nodded. "Yeah. Maybe. But I won't say never because we both know how that goes."

John nodded. "And ninja doctors. He's fucking sneaky."

"And let's not discuss him either. Deal?"

"Deal."

***

Six Months Later

Rodney stood in Woolsey's office, his arms crossed over his chest, his body nearly vibrating with anger and frustration. "What do you mean they can't stay any longer? They want to stay. They're useful-even more useful than some of my staff."

"The whole point, Doctor McKay, was that in one year's time they would return to the planet and you would return to active missions. It has been a year."

"And I can return to missions. They're old enough that it's not an issue. They want to stay."

Woolsey let out a breath. "Doctor McKay. As much as your squid are liked on this base, they are not part of the mission team. They are not scientists with degrees, nor are they soldiers."

"And yet they're more useful than some of the scientists and the soldiers. They can do things we can't, get into places we can't. They know the risks. They live in Pegasus. They understand what it means to be part of the city. They can talk to all of the ATA gene carriers now and those without the gene get the Post-It notes."

"And to date, this has all been under your direct supervision. What will happen when you're off-world?"

"They've been on their own more and more over the past several months. They know their routines and they know who to listen to."

Woolsey shook his head. "I know you have faith in their abilities, Doctor McKay, but I can't say I have the same confidence. We both know they are never far from you mentally, so even if they are working away from you, they are still under your supervision, which is why I allowed them the access. With you off-world, however, they will be completely unsupervised."

"They'll report to the various department heads, just like anyone else."

"And how can we be sure, without you here to control them, that they won't damage or break something vital. I'm afraid this is too big of a security risk, Doctor McKay."

"Because I know they won't!" Rodney clenched his fists, determined not to leap over the desk to punch or throttle Woolsey.

"And yet you haven't offered me anything concrete to prove that assertion, Doctor."

"What do you want, a written affidavit?"

Woolsey sighed. "If you can get signed statements from all the department heads stating they will take responsibility for the squid when you are not around, I'll consider it."

"Fine," Rodney said tightly.

Woolsey nodded. "When you have the documents, we can revisit this conversation. Is there anything else?"

"No. Nothing."

"Very well." Woolsey turned back to his computer.

Rodney gritted his teeth as he turned to leave, determined not to say anything that might change Woolsey's mind. Now, Rodney knew assholes. Hell, on most occasions he was an asshole, but Woolsey was taking it to a whole other level when it came to the squid.

John was waiting around a corner, leaning against a wall. "So, according to the squid, that didn't go well."

"No, it didn't go well," Rodney replied, knowing it was useless to complain about the squids' eavesdropping. He'd learned early on that it was pointless to keep anything from John because the squid always told him and when he did try to keep something from John, the man got testy and wouldn't put out.

Pushing off the wall, John fell into step beside him. "So what's the next step? They mentioned something about needing notes? They weren't very clear by that point because they're all upset."

"I have to get...written confirmations from every department head they interface with during the day saying that they'll...keep an eye out for the squid so they don't get into trouble when I'm on a mission. Hell, some of them see them more than I do lately."

"Well, that should be easy enough. They're as anxious to keep them as we are. And Radek is looking forward to staying in the city again, and he loves them too, so I'm sure he'd be willing to act as a proxy when we're off-world too."

"It's just the principle of the matter. They've proved themselves, but Woolsey refuses to even consider them to be trustworthy. Hell, he said that if I get these written affidavits he would consider letting them stay," he growled as they stepped into the transporter. John hit a spot on the map.

"I don't think he sees them as more than pets, honestly. Since he doesn't have the gene, he can't hear them, and I'm not sure he equates Post-Its with intelligence."

"Some days I think they're smarter than half of my staff," he grumbled as they stepped out of the transporter and into the residential wing. "Why are we here?"

"Because you need to de-stress before going back to the labs. I sent the squid to work and promised I'd calm you down."

"I'm perfectly fine," he said through gritted teeth, even as John ushered him into their apartment. "I don't need you handling me."

"I'm not handling you." As soon as the door was closed, John's mouth was on his.

Rodney let John kiss him, but as soon as he pulled away started complaining. "Yes, you are. You only do this when I'm frightening the squid."

"I do it other times, too. And de-stress sex is different from handling." John's hands were already under Rodney's shirt, touching all the right places.

"No, you don't. Not in the middle of the day like this."

"Maybe I'm just horny." John pushed Rodney's shirt up to swipe his tongue over a nipple.

"You're always horny," Rodney said with a groan.

"Complaining?" John moved to the other nipple, giving it the same attention.

"When you...oh god...use it to handle me...ohhhh....yeah."

"Uh huh, and you're getting laid. Still don't see the problem here." John had been working Rodney's pants open - he had proven to be way too good at multi-tasking-and sank to his knees suddenly, taking Rodney's cock into his mouth in one swoop.

"Oh god, John..." Rodney moaned, his head thumping back against the wall, his fingers tangling through John's hair.

His lover hummed around him. John had learned scary-fast how to suck cock like a pro, and it seemed like every time he did it, he just got better and better, even after all these months.

It took less than a minute for John to get him off, his body relaxing against the wall. John stood a few seconds later and moved him into the bedroom, removing their clothes before his brain came back online.

Rodney found himself on the bed with his legs spread. Before he really started to process, John's fingers, slick and perfect, were sliding into him.

"Oh...god....John. Still handling..."

"No, now I'm fucking." A second finger joined the first.

"John..." he whined.

A third finger pushed inside him, hitting his prostate.

He arched into John's touch, all thoughts of being handled by his lover vanishing from his mind. Seconds later, John was sliding in, filling him.

Rodney was constantly amazed at how fast John could get him hard, even after coming once. The pace was fast and hard, just the way he liked it, and John had him at the edge of another orgasm in no time flat.

"John," he moaned as John pounded into him, pushing him higher and higher, driving all other thoughts from his mind.

Suddenly, there was a hand on his cock. "Come for me, Rodney. Come now."

He groaned and came, his climax shuddering through his body, his mind whiting out slightly. He vaguely felt John coming in his ass.

When his brain came back online, John was lying next to him, still panting slightly.

"Hate you," he whispered, his entire body loose and stress-free.

"Nuh uh. You love me."

"Squid are happy with you today."

John chuckled. "I think they get high when we have sex from all the good feelings."

"God. I don't even want to think about that. They're only a year old. They should not have anything to do with sex."

"Yeah, but for them, a year is full grown. I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to have little squidlets of their own."

Rodney turned his head toward John, his eyes wide. "That's just...wrong. On so many levels."

"What? It's the circle of life and all that shit." John grinned at him and palmed Rodney's spent cock.

"They're just kids. Squid kids."

"They're adult squid now."

"A year old is still too young for them to have sex. Squid years or not."

John laughed softly. "Why don't I get something to clean us up? I have a feeling they won't stay away too much longer."

Rodney snorted. "Especially with how many times you want to have sex."

John leered at him as he got out of bed. "Did you know that, statistically speaking, we're on track to average about 350 orgasms a year?"

"That's all? That number seems...low."

"Well, I averaged in the numbers based on both days we have multiple orgasms, and days when one of us is too tired or injured or something. And I also factored in off-world overnight missions where we can't get distracted."

"That is if Woolsey lets me on the team again."

"He doesn't have a choice. You're a member of my team."

"If he agrees the squid are safe on Atlantis. I can't..." Rodney sighed quietly, trying not to think about what might happen, what could happen to the squid. "John, I can't just send them back to that planet. Not now."

John returned from the bathroom with a damp washcloth. "I know, and I agree with you. We'll try it the political way, and then we'll go from there."

John cleaned him easily, thoroughly, and Rodney let him. The thought of sending the squid back to their home planet was too painful to contemplate, but nightmares continued to plague his nights.

"Hey. It will be okay. We'll figure something out, okay? Don't worry about what hasn't happened yet."

"It just...they're still so young."

"I know. And I won't let anything happen to them, Rodney. You know that."

"They're so trusting and they fit here really well."

"I know. And we all love them." John set aside the washcloth and climbed back into bed beside Rodney, pulling him into his arms. "Once you get those signed notes, you should have the squid bring them to Woolsey. He needs to think of them as people, not as pets, and that might help."

Rodney snorted, letting John manhandle him, relaxing into his lover's arms. "He can't see beyond that. It's too...alien for him."

"Which is why having them interact more with him for the next few days isn't a bad idea. They're charming when they want to be, and it would go a long way toward loosening him up."

"I don't think a good fucking would loosen that man up."

John's laugh was soft against Rodney's skin. "Well, I'm not volunteering."

"Better not," he grumbled. "And I wasn't suggesting it be you. It was more of a...general statement."

"I know." John pressed a kiss into Rodney's shoulder. "But think about it. He really hasn't had much contact with the squid. That alone might be enough. He's not a stupid man, just set in his ways."

"He refuses to. If they're in a room and he's there, he leaves."

"So send them into his office with the notes and their charming selves. I'll ask Atlantis to 'malfunction' for a while with the door so he can't run away. I think he's more afraid of admitting intelligent life doesn't have to come in one standard package than anything else."

"And misusing the Atlantis systems like that would get me booted off so fast my head would spin. You know how Woolsey is about proper procedure." Rodney sighed. It was an old argument and one to which there was no easy solution.

"Which is why I'd be the one doing it." He felt John shrug. "As everyone keeps telling me, Atlantis runs better with me around, so I don't think he'd boot me for playing with his door."

"You'd be surprised."

"Okay, then have each person bring their notes to him and express in person how pissed they'll be if he boots them out against their wishes and yours. Maybe if enough people tell him that, he'll relent just to stop hearing about it."

Rodney sighed again, shifting against John, tangling their legs together more. "Do you really think it's going to make a difference? You know how he is."

"Yes, I do. I know how he is, and while he's a stickler for protocol, he's also not stupid. He might not like it, and he does resist it at times, but he knows this is a weird galaxy that changes all the rules. To be honest, I have a feeling he won't stay on here for all that long. Another year or two tops, and it will drive him so batty he'll ask the IOA to send someone else. In his own way, I think he cares about the city, and he knows he's not really the best person to be running it."

"And they'll send someone even less qualified." He closed his eyes and counted to ten. "Okay, I should probably get moving before the squid beat the door down."

"Or just give in to the inevitable and make you the civilian head of the city. Or, who knows, maybe O'Neill will retire and take over. Let's not borrow trouble."

"Yeah yeah yeah. Like I'd actually take that job that would give me more paperwork," he grumbled as he pushed himself up. And the whole handling thing, I still don't like it even though it results in orgasms."

"It wasn't handling, it was derailing the funk so you could get down to the business of thinking of solutions instead of thinking about ways to kill off Woolsey. The orgasms are just a bonus."

"It was handling. You do it every time I get in an uproar about something that could go very, very badly. Call it for what it is and don't patronize me. I'm smarter than you." He glared at John for a moment until the man shrugged. "Good. Now I still expect our usual tryst tonight."

Laughing, John rolled out of bed and pulled on his pants. "Of course. Mid-day sex doesn't have any effect on evening sex. It just means we're getting ahead of the bell curve."

"Good good. I have a schedule and I would hate to miss a very important scheduled appointment."

Stepping closer, John wrapped his arms around Rodney's waist. "I would never make you miss a very important appointment."

"Unless it was pre-empted by another very important appointment."

"The only appointment I consider very important is if something is about to blow up or sex is involved."

"Good to know," Rodney said with a smile as he leaned in to kiss John again.

As their lips met, the doors burst open and they were both swamped with four now very large squid.

"Naked! You're naked!"

John started cracking up as Rodney turned red. "Come on, kids, let's let your Daddy put on pants before we undo all the hard work of relaxing him I just put in."

"Bastard," Rodney whispered, silently thanking him as he led the squid away.

John shot him a grin as he herded everyone out, and Rodney could hear the squid chattering at John in the back of his head.

Thank god the squid could talk to anyone with an ATA gene now. It made his life a lot easier. At least some of the biologists answered the more embarrassing questions.

And from the way the questions had changed over the last few months, someone had been giving the squid Sex Ed 101-which Rodney was trying hard not to think about.

He pulled on underwear, pants, and a shirt before padding out into the living room area, picking up his old clothes along the way. He rolled his eyes.

John was sitting in the middle of the floor, and squid were crawling all over him in what looked like some sort of bizarre game.

"Do I want to know what you're doing?"

John was laughing. "They wanted to learn hand-to-hand combat so Woolsey won't send them away. I don't think it will be a problem. With the four of them together, I didn't stand a chance of staying on my feet, much less of keeping a weapon. We should have them try to take down Ronon."

"Oh god," Rodney said, paling at the thought. "That's just...no. Absolutely not."

John laughed again as the squid let him up. "Or maybe Teyla. I have to admit to a certain amount of satisfaction at the thought."

"No. They'll get hurt and...no."

John pulled Rodney in for a hug. "They won't get hurt, Rodney. But it's not a bad idea to teach them some fundamentals of defense. As much as we work to keep the city safe, we can't always. That's why we require all your scientists to get certified with a pistol, remember?"

"This is different," Rodney said, pulling away. "And I have work to do if we're going to be able to keep them in the city, so I need to get started."

John gave him a look that Rodney knew meant the discussion wasn't over, but John seemed okay with letting it drop for now. "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

"Just...you know the routine," he said as he snagged his earpiece on the way out the door to the labs. He stewed the whole way there, spotting Radek as soon as he walked in. "I need your help."

Radek raised an eyebrow. "This is a first. I do not ever recall you asking for help on anything."

"If I don't get your help, the squid will get tossed out on their proverbial ass. I don't actually think they have asses."

Radek blinked. "Well, that is unacceptable. What must we do? I assume Mister Woolsey is the sticking point? Shall I freeze environmental controls in his quarters?"

"No. He wants written affidavits that the squid will not cause problems in any department and will be supervised when I'm off-world on missions."

"You are serious? That is silliest thing I have ever heard. They are more productive than most, and when compared to people like Kavanaugh, they are genius."

"I'm dead serious. I was so worked up about it, Sheppard had to...okay, that's not relevant to the subject at hand, but we need to have every scientist the squids work with provide a written confirmation. Can you draft a document and then let each of them adjust it to their department?"

"Of course. I will send it out shortly, and I do not doubt they will all be outraged that he would ask this. They do not wish to lose them either."

"Good, good. Get right on that. I need to make some other arrangements."

"I will CC you when they go out."

"Good, good. You do that," he said with a nod, heading out once again, this time toward Evan Lorne's office.

He found the soldier at his desk, papers all around them. At least half was probably stuff John should be doing, but Evan was appalled at John's paperwork style, and John hated doing it anyway, so it worked out. "Doctor McKay. What can I do for you?"

"I need your...organizational skills."

Lorne blinked. "Sir?"

"We all know that you're the only one who knows what's going on...paperwork-wise in this city...on the military side of things. So, I need your help in coordinating a petition of sorts to assist me in my permanent residence effort regarding my squid."

Lorne opened his mouth a few times, then closed it. "Your permanent residence effort regarding the squid. What... okay, never mind. What can I do to help?"

"I need you to start a petition stating that the squid are a welcome addition to the citizens of Atlantis-specifically the soldiers. Woolsey is convinced they're a security risk and the devil's spawn. I'm trying to convince him otherwise."

"We're talking about the same squid, right? The ones who have been around for a year and whom the whole city are in love with? How the hell could they be a security risk?"

"Exactly my point," Rodney said, bouncing on his toes. "So you'll draw up a document the soldiers can sign?

"The fact that we need one..." Lorne muttered to himself for a minute. "I'll send it around ASAP. You'll have it in your inbox, and the affirmatives shortly after."

"Perfect," Rodney said, flashing a relieved smile. "I appreciate your assistance in this matter."

"No problem. The squid are OURS. We're not going to let them go without a fight."

"I'm just glad someone other than me realizes that."

"Woolsey is the only one who doesn't, honestly."

"And he's the one I need to convince."

Lorne rolled his eyes. "We'll take care of it, sir."

Rodney nodded."Then...see that you do," he said as he walked back out. Things were in place. Now it was up to Woolsey.

***

John wandered into Woolsey's office ahead of what he knew was going to be a deluge of paperwork. He figured the man at least deserved to know what was about to hit him. He was a bit of an ass at times, but John knew he did have good intentions. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Of course, Colonel," Woolsey said, looking up from his computer. "How can I help you?"

John dropped into the guest chair and tried not to grin. "Well, I just wanted to give you a heads up that you've started a mild revolution."

"A revolution?" Woolsey asked, his right eyebrow rising. "You're going to need to be less...cryptic than that, Colonel."

John lost the battle and chuckled. "Over the squid. McKay put out the word that he needed a few signatures on a petition to allow the squid to stay in the city. Well, that sort of snowballed. In about an hour, you're going to have documents from, as far as I know, ever person stationed here that they should stay-I read some of them and they're not really very flattering-and I've heard rumors that if you take their babies away, two-thirds of the science department and a quarter of the Marines are planning a sit-in in the Gateroom."

"If that is the case, then Doctor McKay has seriously overstepped the bounds of his authority."

"McKay didn't do anything, Richard." John shook his head. "He asked a few people if they would sign a petition to keep the squid on base, and let it be known that was your requirement for it. Beyond that, everyone else just sort of got up in arms about the whole thing. You see them as just squid, but most of the base sees them as adopted children, and you're trying to take the kids away."

"They are members of an alien population and they do not belong here on Atlantis."

"Technically, we're the aliens." John shrugged. "I'm not here to fling around accusations, Richard, I just wanted to give you a heads up. I don't think you're taking this position just to be an ass, but it's not winning you any points with the population here. The squid are well liked and have made themselves very useful-everyone they come in contact with has come to love them."

"This isn't a matter of whether or not they're well-liked in the city. There are specific regulations and rules-"

John cut him off. "Richard, have you looked around? We're not on Earth anymore. How many times have the rules and regulations done more harm than good here? I know we need rules, and I'm not saying we toss them out. But at the same time, flexibility and adaptability are key. You haven't been here as long, so you haven't seen some of it except on paper, but we'd be dead several times over if we hadn't learned to adapt and roll with the situation instead of trying to bend it to fit our ideas of what it should be."

"Without rules there's so society, no nothing. I answer to the IOA and they require us to run this facility by the book."

"Just... do me a favor. I know you haven't spent much time with the squid. It's obvious they make you uncomfortable. But before you make a decision, spend some time with them. They're not animals. They're sentient and they love this city and people as much as we do. The IOA is a long way away, Richard. And frankly, if we all died, it would just be a mark in someone's ledger. I know we have to play politics, and I'm grateful it's you and not me that has to do it. But at least give yourself the chance to fully understand the situation and don't use a rule book as a crutch because the idea of the squid makes you uncomfortable."

Woolsey straightened in his chair. "I never said they made me uncomfortable. I just believe they are better served to live in their natural habitat."

"But you're making that decision based on your own beliefs, not on actually taking the time to get to know them." John sighed. "I know I can't make you do anything, and that's not what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to help you here. Elizabeth and I fought constantly over the first few years about a lot of these same things, and in the end, it cost people their lives. I know this isn't a life or death situation, but I'd rather not have it come to that. I know it caused her a lot of pain, knowing she had those deaths on her shoulders because she tried to use rules to make decisions instead of going with what was the best for the given situation."

There was a soft shuffle at the door and then Rodney was talking. "So you're consorting with the enemy now, are you?"

John shrugged. "He's not the enemy, he's just working with the idea that Atlantis and Earth work the same way. And which of the squid told on me?"

"All of them," Rodney said as he stepped into the office, a tablet PC in his hands. "I was coming here anyway to deliver all of the information Mister Woolsey here requested in regards to the permanent residence request from the squid."

John glanced at Woolsey. "Why don't you call them in? I think spending a few minutes chatting with them and letting them tell Richard why they want to stay might help, too."

"They're hiding behind Chuck," Rodney said with a half smile. "Not that they're doing a very good job on the hiding part."

John looked around Rodney and had to chuckle. It was actually pretty funny to watch. He sent a little thought at them to come on in, and to be on their best behavior. They had grown up a lot in the last few months, and while they were still curious and mischievous, they did get the seriousness of the situation.

Rodney stepped up to Woolsey's desk, handing over the tablet. "Here are all the requested documents from all of the section heads in my department, along with a petition from the military to have the squid remain indefinitely as citizens of Atlantis."

The four of them came in tentatively, and John held out a hand to invite them to all curl around him. "Guys, tell Mr. Woolsey why you want to stay."

Several Post-it Notes, popped up, answers ranging from "We like it here" and "We don't want to leave Daddy" to "We don't want to leave" and "It's home".

Woolsey blinked, and glanced down at the information Rodney had provided. "This is against policy..."

"You asked for documentation. You have it," Rodney said tightly. John could see the tension in the scientist's body.

Woolsey glanced at John, and finally sighed. "I don't agree with this, and if the IOA wants a review, I'll expect you to handle it."

"We'll take care of anything that happens-not that anything will happen," Rodney said.

Woolsey pinched the bridge of his nose, and looked constipated, but he finally nodded. "All right. It's apparent I've been outnumbered."

Rodney bounced on his toes but held his tongue. John was proud of him for that. He had told Rodney this morning not to rub it in if he won the fight.

Standing, John grinned at Woolsey. "We appreciate it, and you won't regret it."

"I already regret it, but it seems that I'm in the minority."

John decided to take the victory and herded everyone out of Woolsey's office.

"We won," Rodney whispered-in the usual non-quiet Rodney whisper. Someone on the Western Pier probably heard him crow.

John rolled his eyes, but shared a grin. "The squid are here to stay."

"We might want to get them their own apartment...next to ours."

John felt a warm flush at that. While technically he still had his own quarters, he pretty much lived in Rodney's now. To hear it called "ours" gave him a little rush. "Yeah. Our little squid are all grown up."

"I wouldn't say all grown up. They're only a year old."

"In squid years, they're adults now."

Rodney stuck his fingers in his ears as they walked to the transporter room. "Lalalalala Not hearing you."

Laughing, John put an arm around Rodney's shoulders. "Who knows, maybe we'll have grandsquid at some point."

"Oh god, that's just...wrong. They're not dating...ever and they're not allowed to take the puddlejumper out either."

"You can't keep them babies forever, Rodney. Letting go is part of being a parent."

"I am not a parent."

"Yes, you are. Your kids are just squid."

They stepped into the transport and John hit the spot closest to the labs. "They're still never dating. Or having sex."

John laughed and leaned in for a kiss. "Whatever you say, Rodney."

"Bastard," Rodney grumbled, a half-smile on his face.

"And you love it."

"Yeah yeah. They're still not dating. And don't you even think about teaching them to skateboard."

"Too late. Blue and Green already love it." John grinned. "They plucked it out of my head while I was fooling around with a board down on one of the piers."

"You what!" Rodney yelled as soon as they stepped out of the transporter. "Are you insane? They're going to get hurt and it'll be all your fault because you're so damn reckless."

"Don't worry. I had engineering make them helmets. And safety pads. It took some doing to create pads for all those tentacles."

Rodney narrowed his eyes. "You did not. I would have heard about it. If not from engineering then from the squid. They can't keep anything to themselves."

"I think they were worried you would say no." John shrugged. "They plucked it out of my head and were pretty determined to try it, so I figured it was better to do under supervision and with the right equipment than have them trying it on their own."

"Reckless behavior," Rodney grumbled as they moved toward his lab.

"I can't wait to teach them how to surf. They'll be amazing at it, especially since they're, you know, squid."

The fingers went in ears again. "Lalalalalala not listening!"

Laughing, John dropped Rodney off at the lab, where the news had already spread that the squid were staying, and people were excited.

Rodney was immediately surrounded by people, thanking him, talking to him. The squid appeared several moments later and were pulled into the middle of the crowd.

From what John was picking up from them, they were having a blast, and even Rodney was having a good time, flushed with pleasure. John leaned against a wall, out of the crowd and just watched. This was his family,

***

End