Fic: Connecting the Dots 9/19; AU; PG (language)
Title: Connecting the Dots: Chapter 7 - 9/19 (completed)
Chapter Pairing: Evan, Paul, John, Rodney
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 1943
Chapter Summary: Evan and John forge a friendship while Evan learns where he stands with Paul
Chapter Timeline: The Return
Notes: Connecting the Dots is a look at Evan's journey throughout Stargate. Overall it's approximately 38,000 words, with chapter ratings mostly hovering between PG-13 and NC-17. I began this some time ago (>1 year) and it was initially betaed by
fififolle and
whytewytch4 who provided great feedback on plot, punctuation and a host of other issues. (Thanks!) Any remaining issues are completely attributable to me.
“And before you were kidnapped did you think that maybe you shouldn’t have been alone in that room?”
“I wasn’t alone,” Evan bites out. “I had the rest of my team with me. We fought -”
“Ineffectively, it seems,” Paul cuts him off, sitting across the desk from Evan.
Though Evan has been back in Cheyenne for a week this is the first time he and Paul have seen each other. And Paul’s attitude, Evan feels, is anything but welcoming.
“I have to say, Major,” Paul continues, “I’m surprised by the reports I’ve read. I didn’t think it possible that anyone could have a worse record than SG-1 but between you and Sheppard, your missions have an embarrassingly low success rate.” Paul closes the folder in front of him with finality. “Major Lorne, you are hereby on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the leadership of the Pegasus mission.” Without another word he stands and leaves Evan alone in the room.
Numb from Paul’s pronouncement Evan makes his way back to his temporary quarters. He had planned to request some time off to go visit his family but it seems that it’s not going to be a problem now.
“Really, could the week get any worse?” First, kicked out of Atlantis by the Ancients and now being suspended indefinitely. His mother’s reaction when he explains what he can to her about his suspension will probably top it off in grand fashion.
Arriving in his room he begins gathering the few items he’s unpacked in the short time he’s been back in the mountain.
“Come in,” he calls to the knock on his door expecting John. His back is to the door so he doesn’t see his visitor enter.
“Evan, I’m sorry.”
At the sound of Paul’s voice, Evan stiffens. He doesn’t bother to turn around. “Really? Because it looked to me like you were enjoying it.”
“Honestly, is that what you think?”
“No.” Evan sighs. “But I don’t like you very much right now.”
“I can live with that. For what it’s worth I’m glad I was the one to do it.”
At that Evan spins to look at Paul, barely keeping his anger in check. “Excuse me?” He moves a few threatening steps toward Paul.
Paul takes a few steps back. Despite having a few inches and pounds on Evan, Paul has no illusions that Evan wouldn’t be able to easily knock him to the ground.
“At least this way I was sure your debriefing would be impartial,” Paul explains. “There are a number of people out there who want nothing more than to see you kicked out on your ass. And being in Sheppard’s company is not helping matters any. Evan, I care about you too much to let politics decide your future.”
“Thanks, I guess.”
“I see you haven’t talked to Landry yet,” Paul says as he nods toward Evan’s bags.
“No. Why?” Knowing he’s not going to like the answer, Evan closes his eyes, balls his fists and takes a deep calming breath.
“You - and Sheppard, by the way - are not allowed to leave Colorado Springs during the inquiry. I know you were looking forward to visiting your family -”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He advances on Paul again.
“Standard procedure, Evan,” Paul explains. He holds his hands up to try to calm Evan.
“I am not going to stay here indefinitely and I sure as hell am not going to not visit my family.”
“I don’t see that you have any other options.”
Evan gives a grudging, frustrated grunt followed by muttered curses.
“If it makes you feel better,” Paul continues, “I’ll still be here. We haven’t seen each other in almost two years. Maybe we can catch up?”
“Paul,” Evan grinds out. Seeing the leering look Paul is giving him stokes his anger. “You have ten seconds to get out of here before I do something that will embarrass you and get me thrown in Leavenworth. I tell you this because I care too much about you to let my anger at your insensitivity ruin our friendship.”
With a nod Paul turns and opens the door just as John was raising his hand to knock.
John smirks seeing the look of distress on Paul’s face and the anger on Evan’s.
“Major,” he says as Paul attempts to pass.
“Sir?”
“I guess there is something to be said for true friendship over sex.”
“Yes, sir,” Paul replies between gritted teeth before leaving.
“Were you about to hit that pencil pusher?” John chuckles as he enters Evan’s room.
“John, don’t get me wrong, I consider Paul a friend but I really want to beat the shit out of him right now.”
“If it makes you feel better I’ve wanted to kick his ass since I first met him. He’s a little too smug and sure of himself. Condescending bastard,” John mutters.
“You’re only saying that because I left with him and not you,” Evan snaps. He knows his anger is not with John but with everything he’s been through today.
“What?” John asks, taken aback.
“At the bar when we first met. You’ve hated that I chose him over you.”
“Is that what you think?”
“Only because you haven’t done anything until recently to make me feel otherwise.”
“Oh my - Evan! I’m not going to lie, yes, I wanted to hook up with you that day but I’m glad we didn’t. When I saw you in Landry’s office I thought you were going to rat me out to take my position.”
It’s Evan’s turn to be shocked. “What?”
“I honestly believed you were going to find some way to use what you knew against me. You’re Major Evan ‘Golden Boy’ Lorne. Everyone knows you’re the favorite son around here.”
“Can’t tell with the lack of promotions,” Evan mutters.
“It’s not all about the rank, Evan. Trust me,” John says seriously. “I may be a lieutenant colonel but I know for a fact they’d all be happier if I left. For the longest time I really thought you were sent as a mole and would take over Atlantis once you fabricated reasons why I really wasn’t cut out to run the mission. But after working with you I saw who you are and I realized I was being paranoid. You’re a good guy, Evan. That’s why I started hanging out with you. You might be an uptight career soldier but you have a code of honor that I admire. And I’m glad to call you a friend.”
“Thanks, John. I appreciate that.”
“And I appreciate you kicking out Davis. Would’ve been more fulfilling to see you punch his face in but beggars can’t be choosers.”
Evan grunts as he sits on the side of his bed. “I just might, yet.”
“Well, before you do let me take you out to dinner to make up for having to leave behind Halling’s brew. Really wish I had been able to try it first,” John mumbles to himself. “I want a steak,” he continues to Evan, “and I hear there’s an awesome steakhouse not too far away.”
“O’Malley’s?”
“Yeah. You been there?”
“No. Back when I was stationed here anyone working at Cheyenne Mountain was banned from setting foot on their property. I hear they still don’t allow us in.”
“We’re suspended, right?”
“Yeah,” Evan answers hesitantly.
“So technically we’re not working.”
“Sure but I don’t think that would hold up.”
“Look, we’re not going to cause any problems. And, if anything, they’re not going to know who we are.”
“If it were anyone else,” Evan shakes his head, “I’d say no and that would be the end of it. But, for better or worse, because it’s you and I trust you I’ll do it.”
John looks impressed. “Will I be the man to bring down the great, unflappable Evan Lorne?”
“Believe me there’s nothing you could do that I haven’t already done. Someday,” he answers John’s questioning look.
“I’ll go request a car for the evening and meet you up top in forty-five.”
“Sounds good.” Evan gives John a genuine smile.
---
Hearing a knock on his door Paul stands and crosses his room.
“Evan. Come in. Hi.” He gives his friend a hug.
“You know you’re an ass, right?” Evan asks into Paul’s shoulder.
“You’ve been drinking.”
“Yeah. So?”
“Just an observation. Did you actually want something?” Paul presses his crotch against Evan’s, smiling, “Or did you just want to call me names?”
“Oh, I do want something. But I don’t know if you can give it to me.”
“I can’t believe you’re asking me to top you. That’s a surprise.”
“Not sex, you jackass.” Evan finally pulls away. “I want to know if you love me.”
“What?”
“Do you love me? Any feelings at all? Do you actually care about me? Did you miss me at all? Or am I just a convenient, safe, easy fuck?”
“Evan.” Paul sighs and turns away. “Can we do this another time? I’m tired and -”
“I think that answers the question. If you can’t say yes…that you at least care for me then it doesn’t matter. I hoped…,” he shakes his head, “but it’s just not meant to be. And that’s okay because now I know. Good night, Paul.”
Leaving Paul to stare after him Evan exits the room and makes his way to the mess hall for a late night snack.
“Damn John to hell,” Evan shakes his head to try to clear it while talking to himself. “Getting me drunk and leaving me for some waiter half his age. Fucker. Next time I see him…”
Evan picks up a bag of chips and a caffeine-free soda then takes a table and sits.
“Major Lorne? Lorne!? Evan!?”
“Huh?” Raising his head from the table Evan wipes his mouth and looks around, squinting under the bright fluorescents. “Where am I?”
“Mess hall,” Rodney says as he sits across from Evan, pulling a face. “You smell like a brewery.”
“What time is it?”
“About 0330.”
“Oh. Guess I should go to bed.”
“That might be wise. Whoa!”
Seeing Evan stumble as he tries to stand Rodney runs around to help him.
“I’m fine.” Evan shakes him off.
“Okay.” Rodney crosses his arms and steps back to watch Evan weave between the tables and chairs.
Almost to the exit Evan catches the side of a cart, knocks it over and falls on top of it. With a shake of his head and a sigh, Rodney moves to help Evan up.
“Hey, McKay,” Evan says as if seeing Rodney for the first time. “Thanks. The cart rolled out in front of me.”
“Yes, yes. I saw the whole thing. Let’s get you back to your room.”
“That’s nice of you to help me. You’re not even my friend but you’re being nice. Why aren’t you nice in Atlantis?”
“Because I have - had - too much to do to worry about being nice.”
“But now you don’t. Because we were evicted. I was almost evicted once. In college. But I got a job. I made lots of money and didn’t have to worry about being evicted anymore. And I paid for school. Got a Masters in Gelol-gollo-golgy,” he stumbles over the word. “I studied rocks. ‘Cause of earthquakes.”
“Good for you. In to bed you go,” Rodney says as he unceremoniously dumps Evan onto the mattress.
“Got a lot of sex, too, but I don’t want sex anymore. Want a relationship…”
Rodney doesn’t hear anymore as he softly closes the door and makes his way back to the mess hall for his late night snack.
Chapter 8
Chapter Pairing: Evan, Paul, John, Rodney
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 1943
Chapter Summary: Evan and John forge a friendship while Evan learns where he stands with Paul
Chapter Timeline: The Return
Notes: Connecting the Dots is a look at Evan's journey throughout Stargate. Overall it's approximately 38,000 words, with chapter ratings mostly hovering between PG-13 and NC-17. I began this some time ago (>1 year) and it was initially betaed by
fififolle and
whytewytch4 who provided great feedback on plot, punctuation and a host of other issues. (Thanks!) Any remaining issues are completely attributable to me.
“And before you were kidnapped did you think that maybe you shouldn’t have been alone in that room?”
“I wasn’t alone,” Evan bites out. “I had the rest of my team with me. We fought -”
“Ineffectively, it seems,” Paul cuts him off, sitting across the desk from Evan.
Though Evan has been back in Cheyenne for a week this is the first time he and Paul have seen each other. And Paul’s attitude, Evan feels, is anything but welcoming.
“I have to say, Major,” Paul continues, “I’m surprised by the reports I’ve read. I didn’t think it possible that anyone could have a worse record than SG-1 but between you and Sheppard, your missions have an embarrassingly low success rate.” Paul closes the folder in front of him with finality. “Major Lorne, you are hereby on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the leadership of the Pegasus mission.” Without another word he stands and leaves Evan alone in the room.
Numb from Paul’s pronouncement Evan makes his way back to his temporary quarters. He had planned to request some time off to go visit his family but it seems that it’s not going to be a problem now.
“Really, could the week get any worse?” First, kicked out of Atlantis by the Ancients and now being suspended indefinitely. His mother’s reaction when he explains what he can to her about his suspension will probably top it off in grand fashion.
Arriving in his room he begins gathering the few items he’s unpacked in the short time he’s been back in the mountain.
“Come in,” he calls to the knock on his door expecting John. His back is to the door so he doesn’t see his visitor enter.
“Evan, I’m sorry.”
At the sound of Paul’s voice, Evan stiffens. He doesn’t bother to turn around. “Really? Because it looked to me like you were enjoying it.”
“Honestly, is that what you think?”
“No.” Evan sighs. “But I don’t like you very much right now.”
“I can live with that. For what it’s worth I’m glad I was the one to do it.”
At that Evan spins to look at Paul, barely keeping his anger in check. “Excuse me?” He moves a few threatening steps toward Paul.
Paul takes a few steps back. Despite having a few inches and pounds on Evan, Paul has no illusions that Evan wouldn’t be able to easily knock him to the ground.
“At least this way I was sure your debriefing would be impartial,” Paul explains. “There are a number of people out there who want nothing more than to see you kicked out on your ass. And being in Sheppard’s company is not helping matters any. Evan, I care about you too much to let politics decide your future.”
“Thanks, I guess.”
“I see you haven’t talked to Landry yet,” Paul says as he nods toward Evan’s bags.
“No. Why?” Knowing he’s not going to like the answer, Evan closes his eyes, balls his fists and takes a deep calming breath.
“You - and Sheppard, by the way - are not allowed to leave Colorado Springs during the inquiry. I know you were looking forward to visiting your family -”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He advances on Paul again.
“Standard procedure, Evan,” Paul explains. He holds his hands up to try to calm Evan.
“I am not going to stay here indefinitely and I sure as hell am not going to not visit my family.”
“I don’t see that you have any other options.”
Evan gives a grudging, frustrated grunt followed by muttered curses.
“If it makes you feel better,” Paul continues, “I’ll still be here. We haven’t seen each other in almost two years. Maybe we can catch up?”
“Paul,” Evan grinds out. Seeing the leering look Paul is giving him stokes his anger. “You have ten seconds to get out of here before I do something that will embarrass you and get me thrown in Leavenworth. I tell you this because I care too much about you to let my anger at your insensitivity ruin our friendship.”
With a nod Paul turns and opens the door just as John was raising his hand to knock.
John smirks seeing the look of distress on Paul’s face and the anger on Evan’s.
“Major,” he says as Paul attempts to pass.
“Sir?”
“I guess there is something to be said for true friendship over sex.”
“Yes, sir,” Paul replies between gritted teeth before leaving.
“Were you about to hit that pencil pusher?” John chuckles as he enters Evan’s room.
“John, don’t get me wrong, I consider Paul a friend but I really want to beat the shit out of him right now.”
“If it makes you feel better I’ve wanted to kick his ass since I first met him. He’s a little too smug and sure of himself. Condescending bastard,” John mutters.
“You’re only saying that because I left with him and not you,” Evan snaps. He knows his anger is not with John but with everything he’s been through today.
“What?” John asks, taken aback.
“At the bar when we first met. You’ve hated that I chose him over you.”
“Is that what you think?”
“Only because you haven’t done anything until recently to make me feel otherwise.”
“Oh my - Evan! I’m not going to lie, yes, I wanted to hook up with you that day but I’m glad we didn’t. When I saw you in Landry’s office I thought you were going to rat me out to take my position.”
It’s Evan’s turn to be shocked. “What?”
“I honestly believed you were going to find some way to use what you knew against me. You’re Major Evan ‘Golden Boy’ Lorne. Everyone knows you’re the favorite son around here.”
“Can’t tell with the lack of promotions,” Evan mutters.
“It’s not all about the rank, Evan. Trust me,” John says seriously. “I may be a lieutenant colonel but I know for a fact they’d all be happier if I left. For the longest time I really thought you were sent as a mole and would take over Atlantis once you fabricated reasons why I really wasn’t cut out to run the mission. But after working with you I saw who you are and I realized I was being paranoid. You’re a good guy, Evan. That’s why I started hanging out with you. You might be an uptight career soldier but you have a code of honor that I admire. And I’m glad to call you a friend.”
“Thanks, John. I appreciate that.”
“And I appreciate you kicking out Davis. Would’ve been more fulfilling to see you punch his face in but beggars can’t be choosers.”
Evan grunts as he sits on the side of his bed. “I just might, yet.”
“Well, before you do let me take you out to dinner to make up for having to leave behind Halling’s brew. Really wish I had been able to try it first,” John mumbles to himself. “I want a steak,” he continues to Evan, “and I hear there’s an awesome steakhouse not too far away.”
“O’Malley’s?”
“Yeah. You been there?”
“No. Back when I was stationed here anyone working at Cheyenne Mountain was banned from setting foot on their property. I hear they still don’t allow us in.”
“We’re suspended, right?”
“Yeah,” Evan answers hesitantly.
“So technically we’re not working.”
“Sure but I don’t think that would hold up.”
“Look, we’re not going to cause any problems. And, if anything, they’re not going to know who we are.”
“If it were anyone else,” Evan shakes his head, “I’d say no and that would be the end of it. But, for better or worse, because it’s you and I trust you I’ll do it.”
John looks impressed. “Will I be the man to bring down the great, unflappable Evan Lorne?”
“Believe me there’s nothing you could do that I haven’t already done. Someday,” he answers John’s questioning look.
“I’ll go request a car for the evening and meet you up top in forty-five.”
“Sounds good.” Evan gives John a genuine smile.
---
Hearing a knock on his door Paul stands and crosses his room.
“Evan. Come in. Hi.” He gives his friend a hug.
“You know you’re an ass, right?” Evan asks into Paul’s shoulder.
“You’ve been drinking.”
“Yeah. So?”
“Just an observation. Did you actually want something?” Paul presses his crotch against Evan’s, smiling, “Or did you just want to call me names?”
“Oh, I do want something. But I don’t know if you can give it to me.”
“I can’t believe you’re asking me to top you. That’s a surprise.”
“Not sex, you jackass.” Evan finally pulls away. “I want to know if you love me.”
“What?”
“Do you love me? Any feelings at all? Do you actually care about me? Did you miss me at all? Or am I just a convenient, safe, easy fuck?”
“Evan.” Paul sighs and turns away. “Can we do this another time? I’m tired and -”
“I think that answers the question. If you can’t say yes…that you at least care for me then it doesn’t matter. I hoped…,” he shakes his head, “but it’s just not meant to be. And that’s okay because now I know. Good night, Paul.”
Leaving Paul to stare after him Evan exits the room and makes his way to the mess hall for a late night snack.
“Damn John to hell,” Evan shakes his head to try to clear it while talking to himself. “Getting me drunk and leaving me for some waiter half his age. Fucker. Next time I see him…”
Evan picks up a bag of chips and a caffeine-free soda then takes a table and sits.
“Major Lorne? Lorne!? Evan!?”
“Huh?” Raising his head from the table Evan wipes his mouth and looks around, squinting under the bright fluorescents. “Where am I?”
“Mess hall,” Rodney says as he sits across from Evan, pulling a face. “You smell like a brewery.”
“What time is it?”
“About 0330.”
“Oh. Guess I should go to bed.”
“That might be wise. Whoa!”
Seeing Evan stumble as he tries to stand Rodney runs around to help him.
“I’m fine.” Evan shakes him off.
“Okay.” Rodney crosses his arms and steps back to watch Evan weave between the tables and chairs.
Almost to the exit Evan catches the side of a cart, knocks it over and falls on top of it. With a shake of his head and a sigh, Rodney moves to help Evan up.
“Hey, McKay,” Evan says as if seeing Rodney for the first time. “Thanks. The cart rolled out in front of me.”
“Yes, yes. I saw the whole thing. Let’s get you back to your room.”
“That’s nice of you to help me. You’re not even my friend but you’re being nice. Why aren’t you nice in Atlantis?”
“Because I have - had - too much to do to worry about being nice.”
“But now you don’t. Because we were evicted. I was almost evicted once. In college. But I got a job. I made lots of money and didn’t have to worry about being evicted anymore. And I paid for school. Got a Masters in Gelol-gollo-golgy,” he stumbles over the word. “I studied rocks. ‘Cause of earthquakes.”
“Good for you. In to bed you go,” Rodney says as he unceremoniously dumps Evan onto the mattress.
“Got a lot of sex, too, but I don’t want sex anymore. Want a relationship…”
Rodney doesn’t hear anymore as he softly closes the door and makes his way back to the mess hall for his late night snack.
Chapter 8