Fic: Connecting the Dots 14/19; AU; PG (language)
Title: Connecting the Dots: Chapter 11 - 14/19 (completed)
Chapter Pairing: Evan/Rodney, Teyla
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 2474
Chapter Summary: Evan redefines his relationship with Rodney causing Rodney to rekindle an old romance
Chapter Timeline: Tabula Rasa, Miller’s Crossing, Spoils of War, Quarantine
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.
“Rodney?” Evan calls hesitantly as he peaks his head into Rodney’s lab.
“Are you going to shoot me again?” Though Rodney hasn’t turned his head, Evan can see Rodney’s glare in his mind’s eye.
“No. I already told you it wasn’t me who shot you, it was Kemp. I’ve scheduled him for an intense training session with Ronon to make up for it.” Evan approaches Rodney’s workstation and pulls up a chair. “If you have any other suggestions for payback I’ll be happy to listen.”
“Doesn’t make me feel better,” Rodney pouts. “It hurts that you didn’t even remember me.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Evan gives Rodney his best puppy dog eyes. “Can I make it up to you?”
Though he doesn’t hold Evan responsible, Rodney crosses his arms enjoying the superior position, wanting to see what Evan is going to offer.“I don’t know. How can you possibly make up for not remembering that we’re seeing each other?”
“I can make you forget that I forgot,” Evan says as he unbuttons his shirt.
Rodney’s jaw drops. “What are you doing?”
“I call it a tactical diversion.” Evan pulls his shirt off while thinking the lab’s door closed and locked. “I know this won’t take the memory away but maybe it will help replace it with a new one.”
“No,” Rodney says forcefully.
“What? Why?”
“Evan,” Rodney says with a sigh. “I like you. I really do. And I enjoy sex with you. But I won’t let you use it like this.”
“How is this any different than anything else we do?” Evan asks as he begins to re-dress himself.
“What we do is special. What you’re offering me right now feels dirty…it’s impersonal and calculated.” Seeing Evan retreat into himself, Rodney moves his chair closer and takes hold of Evan’s hands. “Evan, I don’t need you like that. Don’t get me wrong, I love sex with you but I don’t want it ever to be a quid pro quo situation. I want it to be something we both want and enjoy, not this. You’re better than that.”
Evan leans in to hug Rodney. “Rodney?” Evan says into the scientist’s shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you,” Evan says with deep emotion.
---
Sitting on the side of his bed cleaning his gun Evan looks up apprehensively when he hears his door chime. “Come in,” he calls out, not moving from his position. When Rodney enters the room he gives a sad smile. “How’s Jeannie?” he asks as he refocuses on his gun.
“I want to say she’s fine. But the family’s understandably shaken.” Rodney sits next to Evan on the bed and leans his head back and lets out a breath. “They’re thinking about moving. And of course I get to pay for it.”
“They’re laying on the guilt kind of thick, don’t you think?”
“It is my fault,” Rodney says with a shrug. “If I hadn’t sent her -”
“It’s not your fault,” Evan says resolutely. “Wallace was crazy, Rodney. How is it your fault that he was monitoring her computer?”
“That’s not. But -”
“But nothing. Don’t let her bully you into feeling guilty about this. Granted, she is your sister. And as a McKay, she’ll try it.”
“Nice.” Rodney gives him an amused glare. “Insult her and throw a jab in at me as well.”
Evan laughs softly.
Rodney crosses his arms. “So are you going to tell me what’s wrong or do I have to wait?”
“Why is there anything wrong?”
“You’ve been polishing that same spot since I walked in and you haven’t looked at me - You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?”
Evan stops polishing the weapon and closes his eyes. “Rodney…” He shakes his head unable to find the words.
“No,” Rodney says softly. “It’s okay. I kinda saw it coming.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m actually fine with it.”
“Then why do I feel like shit?” Evan asks miserably.
“Because you care for me. But I know that sometimes it’s not enough.”
“I do care for you, Rodney,” Evan continues shakily. “And no one would ever believe me if I were to tell them how good you have been for me. I just feel like I need to be by myself for right now. Heightmeyer was afraid that I had entered into a relationship with you for the wrong reasons. I don’t think she was right but I do see that I need to work on myself for a bit.”
Rodney nods. “I get it. Just remember, if nothing else, I am your friend.”
For the first time since Rodney entered the room, Evan raises his eyes to look at the scientist. Though he’s sad that this part of their relationship is over he’s happy to know that Rodney will still be there for him.
---
“Hey,” Evan says as he enters the bridge of the Wraith ship. “I found these in the jumper.” He tosses an energy bar to Ronon and hands one to Rodney.
“Oh, thank you,” Rodney says gratefully. “I’m starving. Apricot Jubilee?” He asks in a huff.
“Well, if you don’t want it…” Evan reaches out to retrieve the bar.
“No, no, no,” Rodney says. “I’m fine.”
“So how are we doing in here, anyway?” Evan asks.
“Well, it’s coming along.” Rodney says as he opens his bar. “I’ve got the hyperdrive operational but it’s not going to help much if I can’t get the neural interface to work.” When a screen comes to life Rodney turns to Ronon. “What did you do?”
“Nothing,” Ronon replies, guilt evident on his face.
“You touched something, didn’t you?” Rodney asks, seeing through the Satedan.
“No.” He hesitates looking like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Maybe just a little,” Ronon finally admits.
“What is it?” Evan asks as he and Rodney approach the screen.
“Looks like a map,” Ronon offers.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” Rodney condescends. “Of course it’s a map. The question is a map to what?”
“You’re the genius,” Ronon says. “Figure it out.” He retreats to another section of the room to finish his bar.
Evan gives a small laugh as Ronon walks away. “You heard the man, McKay, figure it out.”
“It’d be so much easier if I weren’t succumbing to hunger,” Rodney whines.
“Maybe this’ll help.” Evan glances back to make sure Ronon’s not looking before pulling an individually wrapped snack cake out of a vest pocket and passing it to Rodney.
“Thank you.” Rodney opens the cake and consumes it in two bites, moaning with pleasure.
Evan smiles at the look of bliss on Rodney’s face. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how’s the work on Jeannie’s place going?”
“Overall, it’s fine.” Rodney shoves the empty wrapper in one of his pockets and pulls out a canteen. He takes a drink before continuing. “They’ve added the external sensors and cameras, and the doors have been reinforced. Now it’s just a matter of getting the windows replaced.”
Evan raises an eyebrow. “And will that finally be the end of the guilt trip?”
“It’s not so much guilt anymore as it is preventative.”
“How’s that?”
“Well,” Rodney turns and begins working at one of the consoles. “As long as I’m in this line of work they’re going to be in danger. Especially since Jeannie has clearance as well. I don’t blame myself anymore but they need - I need - to know they’re as safe as possible.”
“That makes sense.” Evan places a hand on Rodney’s shoulder. “As long as you’re doing it because you want to do it.”
Rodney crosses his arms, turning to look at Evan. “And when have I ever done anything I don’t want to do?”
“True enough.” Evan looks on as Rodney turns back to his work. “Would you want to have dinner when we get back? It’s been a few weeks since we’ve hung out and I miss you.”
“Yeah.” Rodney nods, not looking up. “That’d be nice.”
“And will Katie be okay with that?”
Rodney stops typing. “You know?”
“Atlantis is small, Rodney. Especially if you’re trying to keep a secret from only one person.”
Rodney turns around to look Evan in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Maybe just open your mouth and say the words I’ve started dating Katie Brown again? Seems pretty simple to me.”
“Evan…”
“Rodney.” Evan pulls the man into an awkward hug. “You should know by now that I only want you to be happy. And if Katie is the one then that’s great.” He releases the hug but still holds Rodney at arm’s length, looking sadly into Rodney’s eyes. “We’re friends, remember?”
Rodney nods. “Yeah.”
“Just kiss and make up,” Ronon yells from across the room.
Evan drops his hold on Rodney. “I’m going to…” He gestures over his shoulder with his thumb.
“Yeah. I need to get back to this,” Rodney says pointing back to his console.
---
“Listen,” Evan says, sitting next to Teyla. “I never got a chance to congratulate you. It's really great. I didn't even know you were dating anyone.” Evan gives her a smile that is easily reciprocated. “My sister has a couple of kids. Two boys: five and seven. I miss being around them.”
Teyla sighs. “I'm not really sure what to expect.”
“Nobody ever is…at least not with the first one. But you get through it.”
Teyla nods in understanding.
“Aw, you're gonna make a great mom.”
She gives a look full of gratitude. “Thank you. I wish I could be so sure.” They sit in companionable silence before she speaks again. “I do not wish to pry but how are things with you and Rodney?”
“Mostly good. He just keeps forgetting that we’re supposed to be friends.”
“It is hard for him, Evan. He likes you a great deal.”
Evan turns his head to her in surprise. “What?”
“You did not know,” she makes the statement softly.
“He never said anything,” Evan says numbly.
“Did you?”
“No. But -”
“But nothing,” Teyla cuts him off. “If you did not tell him then you share equal blame for what has happened. Evan,” she continues in a gentler tone. “While I have not known Rodney much longer than you, between our conversations on missions and what John says -”
“What does John say?” Evan asks, offended.
Teyla gives him a look of mischief. “Nothing more than what you would say to your teammates about Doctors Parrish and Kusanagi.”
Evan blushes in embarrassment. His comments about the couple could be considered bawdy on his kindest days.
“Anyway,” Teyla continues, “Rodney likes you. And it is obvious that you like him as well.”
“Yeah, I do.” He looks down, unable to meet Teyla’s eyes. “It’s just…there are things I’ve done…in my past. I don’t deserve him.”
“Does he know about them?”
“Yes.”
“Did he express displeasure with them?”
“No.”
“Did he hold them over your head? Did he make you feel in any way inferior - other than in his usual manner - because of them? Did he tell you that you were unworthy of him?”
“No.” Evan feels like a complete ass having the situation simply presented to him.
“Then do you not believe you owe it to him to tell him that you care for him deeply?” She pauses and rubs a hand over her abdomen. “Evan, I know the pain that is endured when you care for someone but have not told him. Suffer no more.”
He looks at her with a sad hope in his eyes. “Do you think he’d even care? I like him, but I can’t - and won’t - come between him and Katie. If he’s happy with her then that’s where he belongs.”
“I agree. But do you not think he deserves to know and make the decision himself?”
---
“Good morning, Rodney,” Evan says. The Daedalus has arrived and Evan, in charge of overseeing the transfer of supplies and mail from the ship, is delivering a small package to Rodney’s quarters. In response to his greeting, Evan receives a silent, half-awake glare. Evan smiles as he holds up a large cup of coffee. “I brought you something.”
Rodney snatches the cup out of Evan’s hand and retreats into his den.
“It’s nice to see you, too,” Evan says as he follows Rodney inside. Rodney gives him another sleepy glower over the rim of the cup before entering the bathroom. “One would think you’d be a bit happier about getting something you want,” Evan calls to him.
“It’s coffee not a Nobel,” Rodney yells through the door.
“That’s not what I meant,” Evan responds quietly. He sits in the chair at Rodney’s desk and waits for his friend to finish his morning preparations.
“You’re still here?” Rodney asks when he emerges.
“I am,” Evan says evenly. “I said I had something to give you.”
“I thought it was the coffee,” Rodney says absentmindedly as he grabs the laptop off the desk, sits on the side of the bed and begins typing.
Evan leans over and closes the lid on the computer earning a protest from Rodney. “Rodney,” he says looking directly into the man’s eyes. “When we broke up you said we were still friends.”
“We are,” Rodney says adamantly.
“Are we? Sure, we chat and you’re nicer to me than you are to many other people but I don’t think we’ve really been friends these past few months.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Rodney.” Evan says nothing for a few moments, staring into Rodney’s eyes trying to find courage. He grasps Rodney’s hands and heaves a heavy sigh before continuing. “I like you.”
“Okay?”
“I mean, I care for you a great deal.”
“Uh, okay.” Rodney pulls his hands away out of Evan’s and his eyes dart around the room, looking anywhere except at Evan.
“I just needed you to know that,” Evan says softly.
“Well, thank you.”
“Rodney,” Evan says assertively. “Tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
Evan sees guilt and hope flitting across Rodney’s face.
“Just say it,” Evan says softly. “Please. I need to hear it from you.”
“I’m going to ask Katie to marry me.”
Evan closes his eyes and takes a few calming breaths. “Thank you.” He pulls the package out of his pocket and places it into one of Rodney’s hands. “This came for you today,” he says softly.
Rodney looks down at the package and sees the name of his jeweler on the return label. “Oh.”
“Yeah.”
Rodney finally looks up at Evan. “I’m sorry. I am so sorry you found out like this.”
“I have nothing but good wishes for you, Rodney,” Evan says, trying to put on a brave face. “Part of what I feel for you wants me to see you happy and I really do. I want you to be happy. If Katie makes you happy then I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Rodney drops his eyes again to the package. “I think we’re well suited. We’re both scientists who love our work. We understand when the other gets caught up in research. She puts up with my idiosyncrasies.”
“Puts up with or accepts?” Evan asks directly.
Unwilling to answer the question Rodney ignores it by standing. “I need to get to the lab. Thanks for dropping this off, Evan. And thanks for the coffee.” He walks out of his room, leaving Evan behind.
“You’re welcome,” Evan says to the empty space.
Chapter Pairing: Evan/Rodney, Teyla
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 2474
Chapter Summary: Evan redefines his relationship with Rodney causing Rodney to rekindle an old romance
Chapter Timeline: Tabula Rasa, Miller’s Crossing, Spoils of War, Quarantine
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.
“Rodney?” Evan calls hesitantly as he peaks his head into Rodney’s lab.
“Are you going to shoot me again?” Though Rodney hasn’t turned his head, Evan can see Rodney’s glare in his mind’s eye.
“No. I already told you it wasn’t me who shot you, it was Kemp. I’ve scheduled him for an intense training session with Ronon to make up for it.” Evan approaches Rodney’s workstation and pulls up a chair. “If you have any other suggestions for payback I’ll be happy to listen.”
“Doesn’t make me feel better,” Rodney pouts. “It hurts that you didn’t even remember me.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Evan gives Rodney his best puppy dog eyes. “Can I make it up to you?”
Though he doesn’t hold Evan responsible, Rodney crosses his arms enjoying the superior position, wanting to see what Evan is going to offer.“I don’t know. How can you possibly make up for not remembering that we’re seeing each other?”
“I can make you forget that I forgot,” Evan says as he unbuttons his shirt.
Rodney’s jaw drops. “What are you doing?”
“I call it a tactical diversion.” Evan pulls his shirt off while thinking the lab’s door closed and locked. “I know this won’t take the memory away but maybe it will help replace it with a new one.”
“No,” Rodney says forcefully.
“What? Why?”
“Evan,” Rodney says with a sigh. “I like you. I really do. And I enjoy sex with you. But I won’t let you use it like this.”
“How is this any different than anything else we do?” Evan asks as he begins to re-dress himself.
“What we do is special. What you’re offering me right now feels dirty…it’s impersonal and calculated.” Seeing Evan retreat into himself, Rodney moves his chair closer and takes hold of Evan’s hands. “Evan, I don’t need you like that. Don’t get me wrong, I love sex with you but I don’t want it ever to be a quid pro quo situation. I want it to be something we both want and enjoy, not this. You’re better than that.”
Evan leans in to hug Rodney. “Rodney?” Evan says into the scientist’s shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you,” Evan says with deep emotion.
---
Sitting on the side of his bed cleaning his gun Evan looks up apprehensively when he hears his door chime. “Come in,” he calls out, not moving from his position. When Rodney enters the room he gives a sad smile. “How’s Jeannie?” he asks as he refocuses on his gun.
“I want to say she’s fine. But the family’s understandably shaken.” Rodney sits next to Evan on the bed and leans his head back and lets out a breath. “They’re thinking about moving. And of course I get to pay for it.”
“They’re laying on the guilt kind of thick, don’t you think?”
“It is my fault,” Rodney says with a shrug. “If I hadn’t sent her -”
“It’s not your fault,” Evan says resolutely. “Wallace was crazy, Rodney. How is it your fault that he was monitoring her computer?”
“That’s not. But -”
“But nothing. Don’t let her bully you into feeling guilty about this. Granted, she is your sister. And as a McKay, she’ll try it.”
“Nice.” Rodney gives him an amused glare. “Insult her and throw a jab in at me as well.”
Evan laughs softly.
Rodney crosses his arms. “So are you going to tell me what’s wrong or do I have to wait?”
“Why is there anything wrong?”
“You’ve been polishing that same spot since I walked in and you haven’t looked at me - You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?”
Evan stops polishing the weapon and closes his eyes. “Rodney…” He shakes his head unable to find the words.
“No,” Rodney says softly. “It’s okay. I kinda saw it coming.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m actually fine with it.”
“Then why do I feel like shit?” Evan asks miserably.
“Because you care for me. But I know that sometimes it’s not enough.”
“I do care for you, Rodney,” Evan continues shakily. “And no one would ever believe me if I were to tell them how good you have been for me. I just feel like I need to be by myself for right now. Heightmeyer was afraid that I had entered into a relationship with you for the wrong reasons. I don’t think she was right but I do see that I need to work on myself for a bit.”
Rodney nods. “I get it. Just remember, if nothing else, I am your friend.”
For the first time since Rodney entered the room, Evan raises his eyes to look at the scientist. Though he’s sad that this part of their relationship is over he’s happy to know that Rodney will still be there for him.
---
“Hey,” Evan says as he enters the bridge of the Wraith ship. “I found these in the jumper.” He tosses an energy bar to Ronon and hands one to Rodney.
“Oh, thank you,” Rodney says gratefully. “I’m starving. Apricot Jubilee?” He asks in a huff.
“Well, if you don’t want it…” Evan reaches out to retrieve the bar.
“No, no, no,” Rodney says. “I’m fine.”
“So how are we doing in here, anyway?” Evan asks.
“Well, it’s coming along.” Rodney says as he opens his bar. “I’ve got the hyperdrive operational but it’s not going to help much if I can’t get the neural interface to work.” When a screen comes to life Rodney turns to Ronon. “What did you do?”
“Nothing,” Ronon replies, guilt evident on his face.
“You touched something, didn’t you?” Rodney asks, seeing through the Satedan.
“No.” He hesitates looking like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Maybe just a little,” Ronon finally admits.
“What is it?” Evan asks as he and Rodney approach the screen.
“Looks like a map,” Ronon offers.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” Rodney condescends. “Of course it’s a map. The question is a map to what?”
“You’re the genius,” Ronon says. “Figure it out.” He retreats to another section of the room to finish his bar.
Evan gives a small laugh as Ronon walks away. “You heard the man, McKay, figure it out.”
“It’d be so much easier if I weren’t succumbing to hunger,” Rodney whines.
“Maybe this’ll help.” Evan glances back to make sure Ronon’s not looking before pulling an individually wrapped snack cake out of a vest pocket and passing it to Rodney.
“Thank you.” Rodney opens the cake and consumes it in two bites, moaning with pleasure.
Evan smiles at the look of bliss on Rodney’s face. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how’s the work on Jeannie’s place going?”
“Overall, it’s fine.” Rodney shoves the empty wrapper in one of his pockets and pulls out a canteen. He takes a drink before continuing. “They’ve added the external sensors and cameras, and the doors have been reinforced. Now it’s just a matter of getting the windows replaced.”
Evan raises an eyebrow. “And will that finally be the end of the guilt trip?”
“It’s not so much guilt anymore as it is preventative.”
“How’s that?”
“Well,” Rodney turns and begins working at one of the consoles. “As long as I’m in this line of work they’re going to be in danger. Especially since Jeannie has clearance as well. I don’t blame myself anymore but they need - I need - to know they’re as safe as possible.”
“That makes sense.” Evan places a hand on Rodney’s shoulder. “As long as you’re doing it because you want to do it.”
Rodney crosses his arms, turning to look at Evan. “And when have I ever done anything I don’t want to do?”
“True enough.” Evan looks on as Rodney turns back to his work. “Would you want to have dinner when we get back? It’s been a few weeks since we’ve hung out and I miss you.”
“Yeah.” Rodney nods, not looking up. “That’d be nice.”
“And will Katie be okay with that?”
Rodney stops typing. “You know?”
“Atlantis is small, Rodney. Especially if you’re trying to keep a secret from only one person.”
Rodney turns around to look Evan in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Maybe just open your mouth and say the words I’ve started dating Katie Brown again? Seems pretty simple to me.”
“Evan…”
“Rodney.” Evan pulls the man into an awkward hug. “You should know by now that I only want you to be happy. And if Katie is the one then that’s great.” He releases the hug but still holds Rodney at arm’s length, looking sadly into Rodney’s eyes. “We’re friends, remember?”
Rodney nods. “Yeah.”
“Just kiss and make up,” Ronon yells from across the room.
Evan drops his hold on Rodney. “I’m going to…” He gestures over his shoulder with his thumb.
“Yeah. I need to get back to this,” Rodney says pointing back to his console.
---
“Listen,” Evan says, sitting next to Teyla. “I never got a chance to congratulate you. It's really great. I didn't even know you were dating anyone.” Evan gives her a smile that is easily reciprocated. “My sister has a couple of kids. Two boys: five and seven. I miss being around them.”
Teyla sighs. “I'm not really sure what to expect.”
“Nobody ever is…at least not with the first one. But you get through it.”
Teyla nods in understanding.
“Aw, you're gonna make a great mom.”
She gives a look full of gratitude. “Thank you. I wish I could be so sure.” They sit in companionable silence before she speaks again. “I do not wish to pry but how are things with you and Rodney?”
“Mostly good. He just keeps forgetting that we’re supposed to be friends.”
“It is hard for him, Evan. He likes you a great deal.”
Evan turns his head to her in surprise. “What?”
“You did not know,” she makes the statement softly.
“He never said anything,” Evan says numbly.
“Did you?”
“No. But -”
“But nothing,” Teyla cuts him off. “If you did not tell him then you share equal blame for what has happened. Evan,” she continues in a gentler tone. “While I have not known Rodney much longer than you, between our conversations on missions and what John says -”
“What does John say?” Evan asks, offended.
Teyla gives him a look of mischief. “Nothing more than what you would say to your teammates about Doctors Parrish and Kusanagi.”
Evan blushes in embarrassment. His comments about the couple could be considered bawdy on his kindest days.
“Anyway,” Teyla continues, “Rodney likes you. And it is obvious that you like him as well.”
“Yeah, I do.” He looks down, unable to meet Teyla’s eyes. “It’s just…there are things I’ve done…in my past. I don’t deserve him.”
“Does he know about them?”
“Yes.”
“Did he express displeasure with them?”
“No.”
“Did he hold them over your head? Did he make you feel in any way inferior - other than in his usual manner - because of them? Did he tell you that you were unworthy of him?”
“No.” Evan feels like a complete ass having the situation simply presented to him.
“Then do you not believe you owe it to him to tell him that you care for him deeply?” She pauses and rubs a hand over her abdomen. “Evan, I know the pain that is endured when you care for someone but have not told him. Suffer no more.”
He looks at her with a sad hope in his eyes. “Do you think he’d even care? I like him, but I can’t - and won’t - come between him and Katie. If he’s happy with her then that’s where he belongs.”
“I agree. But do you not think he deserves to know and make the decision himself?”
---
“Good morning, Rodney,” Evan says. The Daedalus has arrived and Evan, in charge of overseeing the transfer of supplies and mail from the ship, is delivering a small package to Rodney’s quarters. In response to his greeting, Evan receives a silent, half-awake glare. Evan smiles as he holds up a large cup of coffee. “I brought you something.”
Rodney snatches the cup out of Evan’s hand and retreats into his den.
“It’s nice to see you, too,” Evan says as he follows Rodney inside. Rodney gives him another sleepy glower over the rim of the cup before entering the bathroom. “One would think you’d be a bit happier about getting something you want,” Evan calls to him.
“It’s coffee not a Nobel,” Rodney yells through the door.
“That’s not what I meant,” Evan responds quietly. He sits in the chair at Rodney’s desk and waits for his friend to finish his morning preparations.
“You’re still here?” Rodney asks when he emerges.
“I am,” Evan says evenly. “I said I had something to give you.”
“I thought it was the coffee,” Rodney says absentmindedly as he grabs the laptop off the desk, sits on the side of the bed and begins typing.
Evan leans over and closes the lid on the computer earning a protest from Rodney. “Rodney,” he says looking directly into the man’s eyes. “When we broke up you said we were still friends.”
“We are,” Rodney says adamantly.
“Are we? Sure, we chat and you’re nicer to me than you are to many other people but I don’t think we’ve really been friends these past few months.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Rodney.” Evan says nothing for a few moments, staring into Rodney’s eyes trying to find courage. He grasps Rodney’s hands and heaves a heavy sigh before continuing. “I like you.”
“Okay?”
“I mean, I care for you a great deal.”
“Uh, okay.” Rodney pulls his hands away out of Evan’s and his eyes dart around the room, looking anywhere except at Evan.
“I just needed you to know that,” Evan says softly.
“Well, thank you.”
“Rodney,” Evan says assertively. “Tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
Evan sees guilt and hope flitting across Rodney’s face.
“Just say it,” Evan says softly. “Please. I need to hear it from you.”
“I’m going to ask Katie to marry me.”
Evan closes his eyes and takes a few calming breaths. “Thank you.” He pulls the package out of his pocket and places it into one of Rodney’s hands. “This came for you today,” he says softly.
Rodney looks down at the package and sees the name of his jeweler on the return label. “Oh.”
“Yeah.”
Rodney finally looks up at Evan. “I’m sorry. I am so sorry you found out like this.”
“I have nothing but good wishes for you, Rodney,” Evan says, trying to put on a brave face. “Part of what I feel for you wants me to see you happy and I really do. I want you to be happy. If Katie makes you happy then I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Rodney drops his eyes again to the package. “I think we’re well suited. We’re both scientists who love our work. We understand when the other gets caught up in research. She puts up with my idiosyncrasies.”
“Puts up with or accepts?” Evan asks directly.
Unwilling to answer the question Rodney ignores it by standing. “I need to get to the lab. Thanks for dropping this off, Evan. And thanks for the coffee.” He walks out of his room, leaving Evan behind.
“You’re welcome,” Evan says to the empty space.