Fic: Connecting the Dots 18/19; AU; PG (language)
Title: Connecting the Dots: Chapter 15 - 18/19 (completed)
Chapter Pairing: Evan/John, Jason (OMC)
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 2258
Chapter Summary: John exorcises a demon; Evan and John adapt to their new relationship
Chapter Timeline: post season 5
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.
John smiles at Jason. It’s the smile that most on Atlantis and people across Pegasus know means that it’s time to turn and run because Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard is about to have a Black Ops moment.
There is so much Evan wants to say to Jason. He doesn’t want answers or to place blame, he just wants Jason to know the hell he has been through because of the betrayal. However the look in John’s eyes gives him pause. Though this is a battle he’s wanted to take on for a few years, it’s obvious John has his own demons to slay.
“Jason,” John says sweetly. He intentionally does not offer his hand in greeting. Instead, he places his free hand palm up on the table, offering it to Evan. He gives Evan a nod of reassurance when it’s taken. “Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good I hope,” Jason responds.
“Actually, no. It wasn’t.”
“Oh.” Jason blinks in surprise. He takes a moment to compose himself. “We were young, things happened.”
“No,” John says evenly. “You happened. Every time.” John takes a breath. “I can’t say Evan is blameless but you were always the devil on his shoulder…the reason why he became someone he should never have been. More than that,” John narrows his eyes in barely restrained anger, “you hurt him. You. Hurt. Him. For no reason other than your own selfishness. And that’s something I refuse to understand or accept. If he was your friend - really your friend - you would have done anything to keep him safe. But you didn’t.
“I’m only going to say this once: Jason, if you ever come near Evan again, you’re not going to have to worry about whatever was in the agreements you signed.” He lowers his voice to a deadly whisper. “They won’t find your body.”
Jason stands in silence for a moment before his mouth turns up in a defiant smirk. “You apparently don’t know who I am. I’m the biggest producer around here. I’m not afraid -”
Before he can finish his sentence, Jason finds himself being held from behind in a tight chokehold.
“Last chance, Jason,” John says with deceptive calm into Jason’s ear. “I’m going to let go and you’re just going to walk away. Got it?”
Jason nods as best he can.
John releases his hold, giving Jason a small push away from him. With a parting glare at both men, Jason walks away.
Throughout the altercation, Evan sits amazed at the depths of John’s emotion. He has no doubts that John loves him. He’s even known that John would protect him - and any of his friends - with his life if necessary. But seeing it on display in this manner solidifies his future with John in a way he never thought possible.
“Come on,” John says to Evan as he tosses some cash on the table. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve lost my appetite.”
They leave the restaurant and walk through the city in silence, allowing John to burn off his energy.
“John,” Evan says some time later.
“Yeah, Ev?” Though his tone is still lighter, the expression on his face is still dark.
“I love you.”
John stops walking and looks over at Evan. A slow, uncertain smile spreads across his face. “Even after that?”
“Because of that,” Evan says resolutely. “While I will say that I don’t need you to fight my battles for me, what you did tonight - what you said…,” he pauses shaking his head. “It means a lot.”
John pulls Evan into a hug.
“I thought I had crossed the line, Ev,” John says into Evan’s hair. “Done too much. It wasn’t my fight but seeing that asshole in person looking at you - I didn’t like it. I know you don’t like me saying it but you’re mine, Ev. Mine. And I protect what’s mine. I take care of it. I respect and treasure it. And I do respect you too much to emasculate you like that but just know that occasionally someone’s going to do the wrong thing to you on the wrong day and it’s going to set me off.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Evan says. He pulls out of John’s grasp. “There’s something I need to tell you that you’re not going to like.”
“Okay,” John says warily, his foul mood returning.
“I want you to know that I’ve talked to Rodney and Richard about this and they agree it’s the best course of action.”
“Evan,” John warns. “Spit it out.”
“I’m resigning my commission effective the end of next week.”
---
“Well, Major Lorne,” John grinds out, not hiding his unhappiness at loosing Evan as his XO. “It’s been an honor serving with you.”
“You, too, sir,” Evan says as he stands at attention in his now empty office.
“You are a fine officer and a credit to the uniform. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, sir. My resignation has already been accepted by Generals Landry and O’Neill. They were unhappy about it as well.”
John laughs softly. “That’s why I’ll miss you: efficiency personified.”
“I tried, sir.” Evan lifts his wrist to silence the soft beeping of his watch alarm. “Well, it’s official. I’m now Dr. Evan Lorne, civilian contractor and head of Atlantis’s Geology Department.”
“Welcome aboard, Doctor,” John says with a smile.
“Thank you, Colonel.” Evan steps into John’s space. “You know, you’re kinda hot in that uniform. Want to go out sometime?”
“Why, Doctor,” John feigns surprise. “You just got here and you’re already hitting on me? What kind of guy do you take me for?”
“The kind that’s been waiting too long for this.” He leans up and presses a long, sensual kiss on John’s mouth.
“Damn,” John breathes as he rests his forehead on Evan’s. “You’re a good kisser. Maybe we should move in together so we can do that more often.”
“Do you have room in your quarters?” Evan asks as John takes his hand and leads him out of the office to their new accommodations.
“I do now. My former XO was an efficient little bastard. He took care of things for me that I didn’t even think about. I’m going to miss him.” John gives Evan a mischievous sideways glance. “But not his smug, self-satisfied attitude.”
“Maybe he was just amused by the fact that he knew his CO well enough to cover his shortcomings.”
“What shortcomings?” John protests.
“I don’t know,” Evan says as he shrugs. “From what I hear, Major Lorne retired to Florida. You could find him and ask.”
John glares over at him. “You’re an ass.”
“And I love you, too.”
---
In the science labs, Evan and John stare angrily at each other.
“What do you mean I can’t go?” Evan asks with quiet fury.
John speaks evenly. “I told you I wouldn’t approve you for this mission and I meant it. Choose one of my men and they’ll gather the info you need.”
“No one else has the skills or is even remotely qualified,” Evan yells. “How the hell am I supposed to get the readings I need for my simulation if I can’t go?”
“Find a way, Doctor.” John says the title as an insult.
Barely restraining his anger at John’s tone, Evan steps into John’s space.
“Watch yourself, Evan,” John says quietly in warning. “I won’t hesitate to lay you out right here.”
“You don’t even see what’s wrong, do you?” Evan asks between clenched teeth.
“What’s wrong is that you tried to circumvent my decision! I don’t appreciate you going to Woolsey about this.”
Evan closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as he balls his fists in frustration. “Get. Out.”
“No,” John says stubbornly. “We need to finish this. You need to understand that just because you’re a department head and used to be my XO, you don’t get to decide your missions. I do. I’m in charge of the mission lists and assignments. I don’t give a shit that we’re fucking. If I don’t want you on a mission, you’re not going.”
Evan begins to close the small distance between them. “You controlling son of a -”
“Not a good idea,” Ronon says as he grabs Evan by the shoulders, stopping him.
Seeing the escalation between the two men, Radek called Ronon and Teyla to diffuse the situation.
“John,” Teyla says from the other side. “Let us take a walk.”
“No. We need to -”
“Calm down and talk rationally,” she finishes for him. “That cannot happen right now.”
John looks at her. Seeing that she will not be intimidated into backing down, he turns back to Evan. “This is not over.”
“It is if we’re just fucking,” Evan throws back. Shaking off Ronon’s hands he turns away and leaves the room.
---
Evan sits on the ground and stares out over the water leaning his head on balcony rails. On a lower floor in an unused part of the city he thinks through the argument he had with John.
Though their private relationship has been great, their professional one has not fared as well. Having to come to terms with his new role and duties has been difficult for them both.
He knows John was right to say he shouldn’t have gone to Woolsey about the mission. He also knows the real reason why John denied his place on the team, even if John can’t admit it to himself.
Hearing footsteps behind him he tenses feeling his anger returning.
“Evan?” John calls quietly.
“Sometimes I hate this fucking city,” Evan mutters. “She doesn’t even pretend that you’re not her favorite. Even Rodney would not have been able to trace me here. And I know she doesn’t like me being with you. I can’t prove it but there are little things she’s been doing just to annoy me.”
John laughs softly. “You’re not jealous of the city, are you?”
“No. Just pissed. At you.”
“I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
Surprised, Evan turns to appraise John. He wasn’t expecting the apology to come this quickly or easily. Though he doesn’t doubt the statement, he looks to see if John understands what’s going on between them.
“You’re not a fragile, green scientist with no off world experience,” John says as he shoves his hands in his pockets.
Evan narrows his eyes wondering if John knows the move always has the effect of disarming him…which it does yet again.
“I let my personal feelings get in the way of examining the mission properly,” John continues. “While I can’t treat you any differently, I have to evaluate you for who and what you are. I stand by the fact that the mission is too dangerous for a scientist but you’re not just a scientist. You are a decorated, retired airman who now happens to be a scientist that I’m in love with. Not only are you qualified for the mission, you should be leading it.” John takes a deep breath. “I talked to Woolsey and he agreed that you should have your own team again.”
All remaining anger Evan feels leaves in an instant. “What?”
“It’s not going to be one of the ‘fun’ teams,” John says. “But you geeks will love it. Rodney’s been pestering me for years to have a strictly scientific team -”
“I know. And you’re giving it to me?”
“Who else? I need him on my team. None of the other military want it…you’re more than capable of doing scientific missions with limited military support.”
Evan raises an eyebrow. “And what about the one you won’t let me go on?”
“I know you can take care of yourself and the guys promised me they won’t let anything happen to you,” John begins. “I just don’t want to let you go on a mission like this anymore. But I guess in this case I have to.
“Evan, you’re my world now,” John continues. He looks down at the ground unable to meet Evan’s eyes as he opens up. “I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. If anything ever happened to you… I just want to know that you’re safe, that we can and will be together forever.”
“You can’t put me in a bubble and pray nothing happens,” Evan says. “You know as well as I do that even staying in the city all the time isn’t safe. Crazy shit happens around here every day.”
“Don’t I know it,” John grumbles.
“My point is you can’t keep me safe by willing it. And I need you to understand that you can’t hold on to me so tight that you suffocate me. I love you, John. I always will. But I need freedom to do what I want.”
“I know,” John says grudgingly. “I don’t know if you’re aware, I have a bit of a problem being possessive.”
“Really?” Evan deadpans. “Hadn’t noticed.”
John gives a self-deprecating laugh. “Yep. And it’ll only get worse when we get married.”
Evan’s eyes widen in surprise. “When…we’re getting married?”
“Someday.” John gives him a wink. “It’s going to happen. You know it as well as I do.”
Evan smiles as he pats the floor next to him in invitation. When John takes a seat they lean against each other and look out over the water together. Evan takes one of John’s hands and laces their fingers together, placing them on John’s thigh and sighing with contentment. “I do.”
Epilogue
Chapter Pairing: Evan/John, Jason (OMC)
Chapter Rating: PG (language)
Chapter Word Count: 2258
Chapter Summary: John exorcises a demon; Evan and John adapt to their new relationship
Chapter Timeline: post season 5
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.
John smiles at Jason. It’s the smile that most on Atlantis and people across Pegasus know means that it’s time to turn and run because Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard is about to have a Black Ops moment.
There is so much Evan wants to say to Jason. He doesn’t want answers or to place blame, he just wants Jason to know the hell he has been through because of the betrayal. However the look in John’s eyes gives him pause. Though this is a battle he’s wanted to take on for a few years, it’s obvious John has his own demons to slay.
“Jason,” John says sweetly. He intentionally does not offer his hand in greeting. Instead, he places his free hand palm up on the table, offering it to Evan. He gives Evan a nod of reassurance when it’s taken. “Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good I hope,” Jason responds.
“Actually, no. It wasn’t.”
“Oh.” Jason blinks in surprise. He takes a moment to compose himself. “We were young, things happened.”
“No,” John says evenly. “You happened. Every time.” John takes a breath. “I can’t say Evan is blameless but you were always the devil on his shoulder…the reason why he became someone he should never have been. More than that,” John narrows his eyes in barely restrained anger, “you hurt him. You. Hurt. Him. For no reason other than your own selfishness. And that’s something I refuse to understand or accept. If he was your friend - really your friend - you would have done anything to keep him safe. But you didn’t.
“I’m only going to say this once: Jason, if you ever come near Evan again, you’re not going to have to worry about whatever was in the agreements you signed.” He lowers his voice to a deadly whisper. “They won’t find your body.”
Jason stands in silence for a moment before his mouth turns up in a defiant smirk. “You apparently don’t know who I am. I’m the biggest producer around here. I’m not afraid -”
Before he can finish his sentence, Jason finds himself being held from behind in a tight chokehold.
“Last chance, Jason,” John says with deceptive calm into Jason’s ear. “I’m going to let go and you’re just going to walk away. Got it?”
Jason nods as best he can.
John releases his hold, giving Jason a small push away from him. With a parting glare at both men, Jason walks away.
Throughout the altercation, Evan sits amazed at the depths of John’s emotion. He has no doubts that John loves him. He’s even known that John would protect him - and any of his friends - with his life if necessary. But seeing it on display in this manner solidifies his future with John in a way he never thought possible.
“Come on,” John says to Evan as he tosses some cash on the table. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve lost my appetite.”
They leave the restaurant and walk through the city in silence, allowing John to burn off his energy.
“John,” Evan says some time later.
“Yeah, Ev?” Though his tone is still lighter, the expression on his face is still dark.
“I love you.”
John stops walking and looks over at Evan. A slow, uncertain smile spreads across his face. “Even after that?”
“Because of that,” Evan says resolutely. “While I will say that I don’t need you to fight my battles for me, what you did tonight - what you said…,” he pauses shaking his head. “It means a lot.”
John pulls Evan into a hug.
“I thought I had crossed the line, Ev,” John says into Evan’s hair. “Done too much. It wasn’t my fight but seeing that asshole in person looking at you - I didn’t like it. I know you don’t like me saying it but you’re mine, Ev. Mine. And I protect what’s mine. I take care of it. I respect and treasure it. And I do respect you too much to emasculate you like that but just know that occasionally someone’s going to do the wrong thing to you on the wrong day and it’s going to set me off.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Evan says. He pulls out of John’s grasp. “There’s something I need to tell you that you’re not going to like.”
“Okay,” John says warily, his foul mood returning.
“I want you to know that I’ve talked to Rodney and Richard about this and they agree it’s the best course of action.”
“Evan,” John warns. “Spit it out.”
“I’m resigning my commission effective the end of next week.”
---
“Well, Major Lorne,” John grinds out, not hiding his unhappiness at loosing Evan as his XO. “It’s been an honor serving with you.”
“You, too, sir,” Evan says as he stands at attention in his now empty office.
“You are a fine officer and a credit to the uniform. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, sir. My resignation has already been accepted by Generals Landry and O’Neill. They were unhappy about it as well.”
John laughs softly. “That’s why I’ll miss you: efficiency personified.”
“I tried, sir.” Evan lifts his wrist to silence the soft beeping of his watch alarm. “Well, it’s official. I’m now Dr. Evan Lorne, civilian contractor and head of Atlantis’s Geology Department.”
“Welcome aboard, Doctor,” John says with a smile.
“Thank you, Colonel.” Evan steps into John’s space. “You know, you’re kinda hot in that uniform. Want to go out sometime?”
“Why, Doctor,” John feigns surprise. “You just got here and you’re already hitting on me? What kind of guy do you take me for?”
“The kind that’s been waiting too long for this.” He leans up and presses a long, sensual kiss on John’s mouth.
“Damn,” John breathes as he rests his forehead on Evan’s. “You’re a good kisser. Maybe we should move in together so we can do that more often.”
“Do you have room in your quarters?” Evan asks as John takes his hand and leads him out of the office to their new accommodations.
“I do now. My former XO was an efficient little bastard. He took care of things for me that I didn’t even think about. I’m going to miss him.” John gives Evan a mischievous sideways glance. “But not his smug, self-satisfied attitude.”
“Maybe he was just amused by the fact that he knew his CO well enough to cover his shortcomings.”
“What shortcomings?” John protests.
“I don’t know,” Evan says as he shrugs. “From what I hear, Major Lorne retired to Florida. You could find him and ask.”
John glares over at him. “You’re an ass.”
“And I love you, too.”
---
In the science labs, Evan and John stare angrily at each other.
“What do you mean I can’t go?” Evan asks with quiet fury.
John speaks evenly. “I told you I wouldn’t approve you for this mission and I meant it. Choose one of my men and they’ll gather the info you need.”
“No one else has the skills or is even remotely qualified,” Evan yells. “How the hell am I supposed to get the readings I need for my simulation if I can’t go?”
“Find a way, Doctor.” John says the title as an insult.
Barely restraining his anger at John’s tone, Evan steps into John’s space.
“Watch yourself, Evan,” John says quietly in warning. “I won’t hesitate to lay you out right here.”
“You don’t even see what’s wrong, do you?” Evan asks between clenched teeth.
“What’s wrong is that you tried to circumvent my decision! I don’t appreciate you going to Woolsey about this.”
Evan closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as he balls his fists in frustration. “Get. Out.”
“No,” John says stubbornly. “We need to finish this. You need to understand that just because you’re a department head and used to be my XO, you don’t get to decide your missions. I do. I’m in charge of the mission lists and assignments. I don’t give a shit that we’re fucking. If I don’t want you on a mission, you’re not going.”
Evan begins to close the small distance between them. “You controlling son of a -”
“Not a good idea,” Ronon says as he grabs Evan by the shoulders, stopping him.
Seeing the escalation between the two men, Radek called Ronon and Teyla to diffuse the situation.
“John,” Teyla says from the other side. “Let us take a walk.”
“No. We need to -”
“Calm down and talk rationally,” she finishes for him. “That cannot happen right now.”
John looks at her. Seeing that she will not be intimidated into backing down, he turns back to Evan. “This is not over.”
“It is if we’re just fucking,” Evan throws back. Shaking off Ronon’s hands he turns away and leaves the room.
---
Evan sits on the ground and stares out over the water leaning his head on balcony rails. On a lower floor in an unused part of the city he thinks through the argument he had with John.
Though their private relationship has been great, their professional one has not fared as well. Having to come to terms with his new role and duties has been difficult for them both.
He knows John was right to say he shouldn’t have gone to Woolsey about the mission. He also knows the real reason why John denied his place on the team, even if John can’t admit it to himself.
Hearing footsteps behind him he tenses feeling his anger returning.
“Evan?” John calls quietly.
“Sometimes I hate this fucking city,” Evan mutters. “She doesn’t even pretend that you’re not her favorite. Even Rodney would not have been able to trace me here. And I know she doesn’t like me being with you. I can’t prove it but there are little things she’s been doing just to annoy me.”
John laughs softly. “You’re not jealous of the city, are you?”
“No. Just pissed. At you.”
“I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
Surprised, Evan turns to appraise John. He wasn’t expecting the apology to come this quickly or easily. Though he doesn’t doubt the statement, he looks to see if John understands what’s going on between them.
“You’re not a fragile, green scientist with no off world experience,” John says as he shoves his hands in his pockets.
Evan narrows his eyes wondering if John knows the move always has the effect of disarming him…which it does yet again.
“I let my personal feelings get in the way of examining the mission properly,” John continues. “While I can’t treat you any differently, I have to evaluate you for who and what you are. I stand by the fact that the mission is too dangerous for a scientist but you’re not just a scientist. You are a decorated, retired airman who now happens to be a scientist that I’m in love with. Not only are you qualified for the mission, you should be leading it.” John takes a deep breath. “I talked to Woolsey and he agreed that you should have your own team again.”
All remaining anger Evan feels leaves in an instant. “What?”
“It’s not going to be one of the ‘fun’ teams,” John says. “But you geeks will love it. Rodney’s been pestering me for years to have a strictly scientific team -”
“I know. And you’re giving it to me?”
“Who else? I need him on my team. None of the other military want it…you’re more than capable of doing scientific missions with limited military support.”
Evan raises an eyebrow. “And what about the one you won’t let me go on?”
“I know you can take care of yourself and the guys promised me they won’t let anything happen to you,” John begins. “I just don’t want to let you go on a mission like this anymore. But I guess in this case I have to.
“Evan, you’re my world now,” John continues. He looks down at the ground unable to meet Evan’s eyes as he opens up. “I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. If anything ever happened to you… I just want to know that you’re safe, that we can and will be together forever.”
“You can’t put me in a bubble and pray nothing happens,” Evan says. “You know as well as I do that even staying in the city all the time isn’t safe. Crazy shit happens around here every day.”
“Don’t I know it,” John grumbles.
“My point is you can’t keep me safe by willing it. And I need you to understand that you can’t hold on to me so tight that you suffocate me. I love you, John. I always will. But I need freedom to do what I want.”
“I know,” John says grudgingly. “I don’t know if you’re aware, I have a bit of a problem being possessive.”
“Really?” Evan deadpans. “Hadn’t noticed.”
John gives a self-deprecating laugh. “Yep. And it’ll only get worse when we get married.”
Evan’s eyes widen in surprise. “When…we’re getting married?”
“Someday.” John gives him a wink. “It’s going to happen. You know it as well as I do.”
Evan smiles as he pats the floor next to him in invitation. When John takes a seat they lean against each other and look out over the water together. Evan takes one of John’s hands and laces their fingers together, placing them on John’s thigh and sighing with contentment. “I do.”
Epilogue