Disclaimer: All characters of StarGate and StarGate Atlantis belong to their respective writers and MGM. This is a work of fan fiction. I just want to play with them for awhile.

Copyright 2009 awakethepassion

The Beach Part 3

Gifts and Other Things...

1.

“Damn.” John sighed and leaned back against the soft mat. He'd pulled it outside and set it by the fire so that they could watch the sun as it went down.

“What's the matter with you?” Susan raised her head slightly and looked up at him before she settled down and stretched lazily. She was laying across his belly, slowing rubbing her hand over his thigh while he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Nothing.” He sighed again and shifted his hips a little. “Just wishing that you'd let your hair grow out.”

She snorted softly and flicked her tongue over his belly button. “You're nuts, Sheppard.”

“Do that again and I'll show you some nuts.” He chuckled softly.

She grinned saucily and flicked him again. “So show me.”

He slipped his hands under her arms and pulled her up so that she was laying on top of him. “Hmm...” he buried his face in her neck.. “God, I'm gonna miss this.”

“What?” She laughed and rested her head on his shoulder, snuggling against his warmth. “Do you plan on turning into a Nun or something when we get back to Atlantis?”

“Not that...” he cuddled her closer. “I mean being alone like this. Just you and me...”

She slipped her knee between his thighs and nudged him gently. “And Junior?”

“Junior's gonna miss it most of all.” One hand slipped over her rear while the other lightly stroked her breast. “But I think he's eager to get back to our nice warm brass bed too.” He grinned. “I think he misses all that bounce.”

“Oh, no...” She braced her hands beside his head and raised up so that she could look at him.

“Oh no, what?”

“Oh, no I see something sneaky in those big green eyes.” She tapped him on the chin. “What kind of surprise have you got for me next time, John Sheppard?”

“I'm not telling.” He smirked. “But I do have something else you might like.”

“Your...gift...that you keep saying you have for me?”

“Gifts.” He gave her a quick kiss and rolled her off of him. “Just sit there and I'll be right back.”

She watched him as he moved toward the tent and stepped inside. He was back in a few minutes dragging his pack with him. In a way she hoped that she knew what he had in that pack and in a way she was afraid to let her hope's go to far. But it didn't mean that she wasn't a little excited and more than curious to find out what he was up to this time.

Dropping down beside her, he pulled the pack to him and unzipped it. He took out one small white box tied with a red ribbon and set it to the side. Smiling, he reached in and pulled out four more just like it that he set down in front of her.

“Five?”

“One's for me...but I think you'll like it.” He gave her a little wink and then shoved one of the boxes toward her. “Open this one first.”

“Is something going to jump out at me?” She eyed it warily before she picked it up and untied the ribbon.

She opened the box and inside was a thin silver chain adorned with ten sparkling diamond beads the same aquamarine color as the bikini that he'd brought for her. She held it up to the light. Two shorter strands of silver chains with hooks at the end dangled from it “It's beautiful but isn't it a little bit long to be a necklace?”

“That's because it's a body chain choker, not a necklace.” He took it out of her hands and leaned close. A tingle ran down her spine when his fingers brushed over her as he closed the clasp. He tugged lightly on the chain, adjusting it so that it hung down between her breasts. Looping the longer end around her waist, he pulled it around and fastened it so that the center crystal rested against her belly button.

“Does this mean I'm part of your harem now?” The hooks of the shorter strands brushed against her nipples when she leaned toward him and a pleasing spark flared up between her legs.

“You're the only part of my harem.” He growled softly.

She laughed and smiled as a little plan begin to form in the back of her mind. “It's beautiful. Thank you.”

He kissed her and when he smiled back at her the look in his eyes was completely wicked. “Don't thank me yet.”

She reached for another box and he smacked the back of her hand. “Not that one.” He slid a smaller box toward her. “Open this one next.”

She untied the ribbon and took the top off the box. Inside were two small twisted silver double rings. She tilted the box so that they fell into her palm. “Do I even want to know?”

“Since you're going to wearing them...yes.” He slid his hand over her breast, tugging at her nipple until the tip grew as hard as a nut under his touch. Taking one of the rings out of her hand he slipped it over her and tightened it so that it wouldn't fall off. “I could have gotten them in solid but since we're both a little twisted...” He pinched the other nipple between his fingers and slipped the other ring onto her before he clasped the hooks of the strands first to one then the other ring.

“Man, I've got good taste.” He bent his head and slid his tongue over her, making her belly tremble.

“You don't have an arrogant bone in your body, do you?” She gasped and tangled her fingers in his hair. She didn't want him to stop and had to bite her lip in frustration when he pulled away.

He laughed and flicked his tongue over her again then sat back and nudged the next box toward her. “This one is actually for me but I want you to open it.”

Her eyes widened when she opened the next box. She picked the thing up and twirled the ring around her finger as she looked up at him and grinned. “Now what could you possibly have big enough for this to go around?”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. “Oh, that. I guess you do have an arrogant bone after all.” She laughed and eased her fingers over his warm thigh. “But won't that hurt?”

“Not if you put it on right. All you have to do is adjust it to make it fit.” He sat back and waited, a deliciously naughty grin on his lips.

“If you insist.” She pulled the band open enough so that it would fit before she slid it over him. He felt hot and got even hotter as she slid the ring to the base of his penis and pushed and turned the ends so that it closed loosely around him. She started to tighten it a little more but he grunted softly and grabbed her hand.

“Not too tight, baby. You don't want to choke Junior.”

“It's not Junior choking that I'm worried about.” She eyed him warily.

“Afraid you might swallow it?” He laughed at the worried expression on her face. “You've got a big mouth, baby. But not that big.” He stroked his fingers over her arm. “If this thing does what it's supposed to...I'll just keep going and going and going.”

“I didn't think you needed any help with that.” She gave him an impish grin and stroked her fingers over him. “But what about when you're on duty?”

“I don't exactly think that I'm gonna let Lorne or any of the other guys be looking down my pants.” He snickered. “That right is reserved only for you.” He leaned close and gave her a hard kiss. “But right now...” He slid an even smaller box toward her. “Just two more to go.”

Laughing, she shook her head and opened the box. Oh crap! She knew what this one was. “Sheppard, you have got to be kidding!”

“Do I look like I'm kidding?” He took the box out of her hand and pressed his hand between her breasts. “This one, I get to do.” He pushed her back so that she was resting on her elbows. “Spread 'em, Suzie Q.”

She hesitated and he laughed. Gripping her ankles he slid his hands up over her legs and hooked his hands behind her knees. Her legs fell open and she shivered when he stroked a hand over her thigh, slipping his fingers into her and stroking her folds apart. He stroked her, rubbing his fingers over her, until the little nub turned hard under his touch. Liquid heat flowed through her when she felt the cool metal against her flesh and she gasped when she felt the tips of the clip squeeze together.

Breathing hard, she looked down and saw the silver dangles hanging between her legs.

“Not finished yet.” John whispered softly. The touch of his fingers nearly drove her insane when he added a small, heart shaped crystal to the top of the clip. It was the same color as the crystals on the chain around her waist and when he flicked it with the tip of his finger, the sensation was almost too much.

“Beautiful.” He pressed a kiss to the tip of her slit, rasping his tongue over her belly and up between her breasts. “I want you to wear these when we're not together in bed, Suzie Q. That way you'll always know that I'm with you.” He stroked a hand over his erect member, nudging lightly against her entrance as he kissed her. “Just like I'll always know you're with me.”

She laughed huskily and ran her hand over his chest. “I knew that you'd come up with something better than a ring.”

“A ring?” He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her toward him. Lightly, he brushed his mouth over hers. “Is that what you wanted? A ring?” He cupped her breasts in his hands, brushing his thumbs over her. “What do you think these are?”

“Torture?” She managed to gasp out.

“If you think this is torture...then you'd better be ready for a lifetime of it.” He pressed into her and she felt the heat of the fire on her back. “But if a ring is what you really want...” He growled and licked at her lower lip then let her go and leaned back, reaching for the last box. Slowly, he opened it to reveal a small velvet covered box.

Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him open it up. Slowly, he took something out of it, tossed the box aside and reached for her hand. “The trouble was catching you asleep long enough for me to measure your finger for the size.”

He was grinning when he slipped the glittering diamond ring on her finger. Then his expression turned dark and he gave her a wicked look as he slid between her thighs.

“All mine.” He put his hands on her shoulders and pressed her back, hooking her leg over his hip as he slid inside of her. A possessive smile crossed his face as he began to thrust in and out of her.

The cool metal of the ring around him sent shocks of pleasure rippling though her when it slid over her swollen lips. She arched her back, locking her legs around his hips and her insides quivered when he panted roughly in her ear.

“You'd better be glad that I didn't buy you a collar and a leash.” He laughed at the sudden spark of fire in her eyes when she shivered and licked her suddenly dry lips. “On second thought, maybe I will.”

He slid an arm behind her when she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. He was supporting her neck and she turned her head slightly, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. Her thighs clenched around him and he quickened his pace.

Heat blossomed between her thighs and she wrapped her arms around him, digging her nails into him and lifting up to meet him thrust for thrust as he drove himself inside her. He panted hard and his breath was hot on her neck when he reached his other hand between them. His fingers drew tight, teasing circles over her chest and belly and then dipped down between her legs. He tugged at the silver chain, flicking the nail of his thumb over the jewel before he pressed down hard.

She shouted in his ear, her hips coming up off the mat. She dug her fingers into him harder, raking her nails down his back. Her belly tightened and then the hard core inside of her started to melt and ripple around him in a blazing wave of heat.

He pulled back and she felt the ring gripping hard around him as he slammed home and the force of her orgasm was so great that she slid back on the smooth cushion. With a loud, primal grunt, he grabbed her hips and jerked her back as he slammed into her again and again until she screamed.

She wrapped her hands around his sweat slick upper arms, clinging to him as her inner muscles tightened around him. He howled as the knot of ecstasy tightened inside him and then exploded with a violence so strong that he thought his heart was being ripped out of his chest.

Shaking he collapsed on top of her but she wasn't ready to let him go. She flipped him onto his back and he didn't try to fight her. She was on top of him now, straddling him. A shiver danced down his spine and he reached up to touch her, to run his hands over her full lush breasts, tickling over the chain and the rings but she only laughed and grasped his wrists, pinning him to the mat. She leaned over him and he caught her spicy scent, like warm sweet cinnamon, as she pressed against him.

Her nipples poked against his chest like hard diamonds and he groaned when the little bands of silver caught in the hairs on his chest. He fought to keep control but when she rocked against him, the feeling of her warm and wet against his belly was too much. He broke free from her grasp and his hands went to her hips, his fingers digging into her soft flesh.

She laughed when he rolled her over. Her long legs wrapped around him and she dug her fingers into his back, pulling him deep into her tight warmth, nearly matching him thrust for thrust as he slammed into her again and again.

Her sharp nails dug into his arms but he was beyond the pain, feeling only the pleasure of her clenching around him, making him swell as he drove into her harder and faster. She withered beneath him, her legs tightening around his hips, her hands roaming over him, her nails making fresh welts as she scratched at him. She arched her back, both of them crying out when he came inside her again.

John would have pulled away from her then but Susan held him tightly against her. He buried his face in her neck, shuddering at the touch of her long fingers tracing over the scratches she had created on his back.

He sighed long and hard and nestled into her. Laying his head on her breast he let the strong beat of her heart and the touch of her fingers lull him to sleep

2.

“Ready?”

“No.” Susan brushed the sand off the knees of her pants and stood up. John was standing behind her and he looped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against him.

“We could stay here a little longer, you know.” His breath stirred her hair when he rested his chin on the top of her head. “Teyla might get a little pissed off but she can deal with it.”

“And get her mad at me because of you?” She chuckled and turned in his arms so that she could look up at him. “If she can kick your ass, Sheppard she could wipe the floor with me.”

“But you'd make a really sexy rag mop.” His eyes glittered when he laughed. “Then I can blame your bruises on her and Carson won't know the difference.”

“Oh, really?” She punched him in the arm lightly. “I don't think Carson is going to believe that story. And just exactly how do you plan to explain the bite marks too?”

“Hmm, didn't think about that.” He grinned and ran his hand over her behind. “We'll just have to make sure he doesn't see 'em then. Now, c'mon. The Jumper's packed and Atlantis is waiting.”

With one last look at the beach and the ocean, she turned and followed him back up the path toward the waiting Jumper. Teyla was waiting when they arrived. Jaiya was standing beside her and they both turned and smiled as soon as John lowered the ramp and they saw them walking toward them.

John touched her arm and pulled her back slightly. “Why don't I like the way she's looking at me?”

“Who? Jaiya?” Susan shook her head. “She's just smiling at you.”

“Yeah,” he whispered softly. “Like she knows what I look like without my clothes on.”

Susan smiled slightly and gave him a little wink. “Maybe she does.”

Before he could answer, Teyla came toward them. “You both look...rested.” She looked down and saw the ring on Susan's hand and her grin grew even wider but she didn't say anything.

Behind her Jaiya made a noise. She looked slyly at Teyla and then at Susan. Grinning, she patted Susan on the belly, then looked at John. “Soon.”

Susan glanced at him and felt about as uncomfortable as he looked. She coughed softly and looked up at him just as he looked down at her. Their eyes met and suddenly his cheeks were starting to turn a pretty shade of pink.

Jaiya chuckled and stepped around Teyla. Taking, John by the arm she pulled him close to her and started to lead them back into the village. “Come, you will share the morning meal with me. I have much to discuss with your pretty Lady before you leave.”

John started to protest but Teyla cut him off. “Jaiya would take it as an insult if you did not accept her invitation.”

“Teyla's right.” Susan chimed in giving her soon to be husband a radiant, teasing smile before she turned to Jaiya. “John's kept me busy for the last couple of days. I can't speak for him but I'm starving!”

“Then we wouldn't want to cause any insults, would we?” John's face went red at the look that Jaiya gave him then he grinned and let the older woman lead him away. Teyla and Susan followed just a few steps behind.

When they entered the small hut, Jaiya led them to a narrow wood table and made them sit down on the thickly padded bench. John sat close to Susan and when Teyla turned to help Jaiya with the bowls of food, he leaned close and gave her a quick kiss.

Jaiya turned and caught him and her laugh was quick and light. Setting a big steaming bowl of soup in front of him, she patted him on the shoulder. “To keep your strength up.”

Susan snorted and put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. John's face turned even redder and even the tips of his ears started to turn pink. Teyla pretended not to notice but as she sat down at the table across from them, Susan could see that she was trying not to smile.

Jaiya sat down and took a drink from her cup of tea frowning slightly when John just sat there staring at the bowl. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” John shook his head and picked up the rough wooden spoon she'd set down beside the bowl.

“Ah” Jaiya smiled, her lips twitching slightly at the way John sat pressed against Susan's side. “Perhaps you are still hungry for something else?”

It was Susan's turn to blush this time and she felt John's foot nudge against hers under the table. Snatching the spoon out of his hand, she took a bite of the soup and had eaten half the bowl of the hearty meat and vegetables before he snatched the spoon back and ate the rest.

She looked up and saw Jaiya watching her and she grinned sheepishly. Jaiya only smiled, poured a steaming mug of tea and handed it to her. She was about to say something when the curtain hanging over her doorway was pushed back. A tall man, about the same height and age as John entered. He was quite handsome with thick, light brown hair and deep brown eyes.

“Ah,” Jaiya smiled slightly. “My son has decided to grace us with his presence.”

“Mother.” He nodded and scowled at John when he saw them sitting there. He nodded first to Jaiya and then to Teyla but when he looked at Susan, he dropped his pack on the ground by the entrance and started toward them, a charming smile on his face.

Beside her, John stiffened and Susan felt his hand on her shoulder. He squeezed gently, then ran his hand over her arm and the other man stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, he and John stared at each other and then John stood up and slowly offered his hand.

Jaiya nodded and Teyla gestured to where they sat. “Vaden,” She greeted the man warmly. “This is Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard and Doctor Susan Walker.”

“Oh,” Vaden blinked and held out his hand but not to John. “So you are the lovely Lady that my mother speaks so highly of.”

John quirked an eyebrow and frowned. Well, aren't you the slick bastard. John's expression darkened even more as he sat back down beside her and he didn't notice when Teyla looked at Jaiya. They exchanged a look and Jaiya frowned herself when Vaden raised Susan's hand to his mouth and lightly pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

Jaiya cleared her throat. Vaden glanced at her and the expression on his face was one of amusement and he took his time letting go of Susan's hand. Easing around the table, he sat down across from Sheppard and rested his hands on the rough wooden surface. “I only wish that I had been here when you arrived to give her...I mean, the both of you a proper greeting.”

“I'll bet.” John replied dryly. He knew the man was digging at him and he forced himself not to react. Not when what he really wanted to do was punch the asshole's face in.

Susan felt him tense. Time to change the subject. “Jaiya has graciously allowed us usage of a sizable plot of land to use for growing crops.”

John shot her a look. “Funny that you didn't mention that in the last three days.”

“Probably because we were busy, sweetheart.” She batted her eyelashes at him and gently touched him on the thigh. “Or don't you remember?”

Jaiya hooted with laughter at the tight smile that suddenly appeared on her son's face. He shot her an angry look and instantly, an alarm went off in John's head. Lightly, he touched Susan on the arm, urging her to her feet as he turned to Jaiya and nodded. “Thank you for the breakfast and allowing us to intrude on your hospitality. We won't take up any more of your time-”

“John,” Susan leaned into him slightly. “We can't leave yet.”

“Yes, we can.” He whispered loud enough for Vaden to hear. “We need to get back to Atlantis-”

“For what? That mound of paperwork on your desk? Or that special surprise you have for me?”

“What do you think?” His arm went around her waist and he pulled her to him.

She swallowed hard and almost kissed him but then she looked at Jaiya and Teyla and felt her face getting red. “Please excuse us for a minute...”

Taking John by the arm she made him follow her out the door. When they were outside, she grabbed his wrist and practically dragged him until they were far enough away not to be overheard. Turning around, she planted her hand over his mouth before he could say a word.

“Don't.” She said softly and poked him in the chest. He reached up and wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her hand away but he didn't say anything. “Don't you dare, John Sheppard.” She poked him again. “Don't ruin the most fabulous three days of my life by acting like a jealous little school boy.”

“I'm not jealous.” And he was wasn't. Okay, maybe was was...a little. But most of all he was really fucking pissed.

“Bullshit.” She smiled and leaned into him. “But I'm serious, John. We can't leave yet. Jaiya made us this offer and we should take it.”

John sighed. “Why didn't you talk to her about it before? I was at the beach for most of the day when you were here with Teyla and Jaiya. You had plenty of time-”

“We did talk about it but then you came back and well...Jaiya refused to talk about it anymore until she spoke with the others.” She ran her hand over his chest and down his belly to tug at his belt. “I think Teyla may have told her about....” She sighed softly and looked up at him with those big, bright amber eyes. “I think she wanted me to spend my time with you instead of worrying about that.”

“Smart Lady.” John smiled slightly and then he shook his head, knowing that when she gave him that look, he couldn't deny her. “Alright.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and ran his hands over her back. “If it's that important to you...”

“Not just important to me but to Atlantis too if you want to keep on eating.” She nudged him.

“Depends on what I'm eating.” He laughed when she rolled her eyes at him. “But for Atlantis...I think I can stand him for a little while anyway.”

“Good.” She leaned against him and raised up on her tip toes to kiss him lightly. “Because he's going to show us where it is.”

3.

Well, this was starting to suck. John glanced around and saw Teyla watching him closely. Catching him looking at her, she moved toward him and fell into step as they followed Vaden and Susan up the narrow trail they'd been traveling for the last thirty minutes.

“How much farther?” He whispered when she got close enough.

“Not far.” Teyla smiled slightly and handed him her canteen. “It would have been easier if we had taken the Jumper but it was your idea to walk there.” She teased him.

“God, I'm starting to sound like Rodney.” He took a swig and choked. “Good God! What the hell is that stuff?”

“Just tea.” She laughed. “Jaiya's special blend. It is supposed to be good for you. Gives you strength and energy. Though I doubt you need very much help with that.”

He ignored her comment and wiped his hand across his mouth. He resisted the urge to spit as he handed the thing back to her. “Yeah, well it tastes like shit.”

Teyla laughed again and hooked the bottle back on to the clip of her belt. She was quiet for a few minutes and then she looked up at him. “You do not like him very much, do you?” She asked quietly.

“Is it that obvious?” John stopped walking and rested for a second.

Teyla smiled slightly. “I do not believe that anyone else has noticed.”

John smiled but it was more like a grimace. He knew he had to stop this. This wasn't like last time and Vaden was no Jake. Shaking his head, he set off after them again and Teyla trailed after him.

Now that the sun was fully up, the cool morning had turned into a sweltering afternoon. Taking off his jacket, he tied it around his waist. It made him a little cooler but the sweat was still running down his back. Now he wished that he'd left the damn thing back in the Jumper or maybe he should make Susan put it on. The back of her shirt was damp and he could faintly make out the outline of the choker chain he'd given her.

“I knew I shouldn't have let her talk me into this.” He sighed and shook his head. His belly twisted when he thought about the view that Vaden was probably getting as he walked along beside her. The man was looking at her too much as it was and when they got a chance he was going to get her some place private and get it off of her.

Sensing that he was watching her, Susan looked back at him and winked. When she turned back around, Teyla nudged him slightly in the ribs.

“Susan certainly seems relaxed. I take it your little 'vacation' went well?”

“Better than well.” John smiled slightly, watching the way Susan's pants stretched over her firm behind as they climbed up the slight incline. He wanted to reach out and touch her and almost did before he realized what he was doing. Quickly, he stuck his thumbs into his gun belt and tried to pretend that he was looking at the pretty country side.

“John?”

“Huh? What?” John blinked, turning his head. “Did you say something, Teyla?”

“Never mind.” She smiled slightly.

“No. What did you say?” He wiped his hand across his face to get the sweat out of his eyes. Shit. If it was going to get this damn hot, next time he was wearing shorts. He heard Susan laugh at something Vaden said and his eyes narrowed slightly. He scowled as he stared at the man's back. If there was a next time.

“It can wait.” Teyla nodded and nudged him slightly. “It would seem that we have arrived.”

John stopped because he'd nearly walked into Susan. She turned her head as he stepped up beside her. “Now this was worth the walk.”

John had to admit that she was right. The little valley below them was green and fertile. Sunlight glinted on the clear water of the stream flowing through it and tall grass and brightly colored wild flowers waved in the lightly blowing breeze. It looked so peaceful and he started to put his arm around her but she had moved away and already he could hear her babbling away something to Vaden about irrigation.

He made a face when she walked away from him and stood close to Vaden as they looked out over the valley. Vaden was standing too close and a sick feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. When Vaden touched her arm and pointed to something below them, the soup that he had shared with her that morning felt like it was burning a hole in his belly. He loved her, but God. He just knew that this little adventure was going to turn into ten kinds of hell. He coughed and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. Anything to keep from going over there and pushing the bastard over the hill.

Vaden turned and looked at him. “If you are tired, Colonel Sheppard perhaps you would like to wait here with Teyla while I show your Lady what this valley has to offer to your people.”

“Yeah.” John's head snapped up and his eyes blazed angrily. There was humor in the other man's voice but John wasn't even close to being amused. “I'll bet you would.”

Oh, shit. Susan shook her head and sighed softly. She'd been hoping that she'd just been imaging things, that Vaden had been just trying to rile the other Alpha male in his territory. She frowned and mentally kicked herself. This was her damn fault and now she was going to have to fix it. She looked back at Vaden, ready to apologize for John's behavior but stopped when she saw the look of disdain on his face.

Taking her arm, John pulled her to the side so that he could talk to her quietly. “Susan, why don't we just-”

“John.” Susan drew out his name in one long syllable. She didn't even have to touch him to know he was as tense as a spring. He was balanced on the balls of his feet and if she knew the man, somebody was about to get kicked. She looked up at him and their gazes locked, the connection they shared shooting through her like a lance of fire. “Let me just handle this. Please?”

“I don't like this.” John took a deep breath.

“I know you don't-”

“My Lady,” Vaden moved to stand behind her. Smiling he reached out and lightly wrapped his fingers around her elbow. “Please...”

John's palm started to itch. He took a step toward the man but Susan suddenly whipped around and jerked out of his grip. The cold look on her face made Vaden blink and take a step back. “If you're a smart man, Vaden. You won't do that again.”

John felt a sudden surge of pride.

“Excuse me, Vaden. But this is a private conversation.” She stepped in front of John and grabbed his hand, watching his eyes darken even more when Vaden made a soft snickering sound. Suddenly, she stopped. There was something about that sound that set her teeth on edge. Gripping John's hand tightly she turned around and glared at Vaden. “What was that?”

The man smiled smugly and his eyes strayed to her breasts. “I did not say anything.”

“You didn't have to.” She shook her head. This was getting ridiculous. “I'm sorry, Vaden. I appreciate Jaiya's offer but I don't think this is going to work out.” She turned to head back down the path. “Come on, John. Let's get out of here.”

“What?” Vaden blinked and looked at her, an astonished look on his face. He started to reach out then saw the look on Sheppard's face and stopped. “I am sorry if I offended you.”

Susan rolled her eyes at him. “Vaden, please do not try to act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I know what you're doing and I want you to stop it. Now.”

“But, I-”

“Yeah. You're men. You're all alike.” She let go of John's hand and stepped back to stand beside Teyla. “Why don't the two of you just whip 'em out and get this pissing contest over with now?”

Vaden looked puzzled. “Pissing contest?”

John snorted with laughter and Teyla shook her head. She had spent enough time with the people from Earth to learn some of their slang and she knew what Susan meant.

“Yes.” She told him. “Pissing contest. Prove which one of you is the bigger Rooster in the Hen house.”

“My Lady, I am not familiar-”

“Whoa!” Susan scowled and took a step toward him. “Hold it right there, buddy.”

Vaden's eyes widened even more and one thick dark brow went up. “My Lady, I do not understand-”

“There you go again.” Susan angrily cut him off. “Stop calling me 'My Lady'.”

Vaden stiffened. “I meant no harm, My...Doctor Walker. I only meant it as a sign of respect.”

Vaden sounded calm but she could see the anger dancing in his eyes. She took a deep breath before she launched at him again. “Okay, maybe you did. And I'm sorry if you don't understand the point I'm trying to get across to you. But I want to get one thing straight before we get any further into this, Vaden. I'm not your Lady.” She waggled her ring finger at him and then pointed back at Sheppard. “I'm his.”

“I am quite aware of that, Doctor Walker.” He said coldly and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Good. Then drop the 'mine is bigger than his' act. Because I can guarantee you, Sheppard will definitely win that contest.”

Teyla made a choking sound and when Susan turned to look at her, she had her hand over her mouth and her eyes were sparkling with laughter. He did understand that. Nostrils flaring, Vaden took several steps closer to her and she felt the heat when John moved to stand at her back.

“I wouldn't if I were you.” He put his hand on her waist and Vaden stopped.

She couldn't see John's eyes but from the expression on Vaden's face it must not have been very pretty. Oh, God. This was turning into a pissing contest.

“Perhaps, it would be best if Halling were the one to assist you in this matter, Susan.” Ever the diplomat, Teyla stepped up and put herself between them. “Considering this...situation...I do not believe that Jaiya would object.”

“With that, I agree.” Vaden's voice was as rough as sandpaper. “If you will excuse me, I will go and apprise my mother of your wishes.”

Susan waited until he had stalked off back down the path they'd just climbed before she turned to John and grinned.

“Think I pissed him off?”

John grinned back at her. “Maybe a little.”

3.

It was nearly dark by the time they returned to the village and Susan was more than a little relieved when John decided that they would head back to Atlantis in the morning. She was tired and after Halling had joined them and they'd finally had the chance to survey the land Jaiya was going to let them use, she was ready for a good night's sleep.

Yawning, she stretched and pulled the sleeping gown that Jaiya had given her over her head. It was short and barely skimmed the tops of her thighs and she sighed softly when she rubbed her hands over her belly. The material was soft and smelled like sunshine. And thin enough that John would definitely appreciate seeing her in it.

She looked up when she heard a noise at the door of Jaiya's hut and she prayed to God that it wasn't Vaden. If she knew John, he'd be trying to shove his P90 up the man's ass backwards.

Thankfully, she was wrong. It was only Jaiya closing and securing the door covering for the night and thankfully, Vaden was no where in sight. After a murmured goodnight and a hug for the still apologetic older woman, she slipped into the little sleeping area that Jaiya had prepared for them.

John was sitting on the edge of the narrow bed, wearing nothing but his boxers and a look of worry on his face. His eyes kept straying to the shadows moving on the other side of the curtain that separated them from the rest of the living area.

She could tell he was a little anxious too. Teyla had gone to visit one of her friend's and would be sleeping there. John had wanted to bed down in the privacy and security of the Jumper but Jaiya had been so insistent and he hadn't wanted to hurt her feelings when she had been so kind to them.

“Come on, big man. I don't think he's going to come back here tonight.”

“She's his mother.” John sighed and clenched his fingers. “She's not gonna just kick him out-”

“And so what if she doesn't? Is that really going to bother us?”

“What if he sneaks in while we're asleep?”

A frown creased her forehead. “Don't tell me you're afraid of him?”

His lips quirked into a smile. “Not when I've got you to protect me.”

She smiled. “You've got that right. If he even tries to touch my pretty boy, I will so kick his ass.” That made him laugh. She knelt down in front of him and rested her hands on his knees. “Now scoot over. I'm tired, Sheppard. Let's get some sleep.”

He glanced at her, his eyes going wide and a smile curling his lips when she stood up beside him and rested her hand on his arm. She slid her hand down and touched his hand. His fist was clenched tight and she rubbed her fingers over his until he relaxed enough to let her fingers slide into his.

When he didn't move, she crawled around him, making sure she bumped his shoulder with her hip. She pushed back the soft blanket and stretched out, tugging on his hand until he shook his head, sighed and lay down beside her.

She could hear Jaiya moving around and then the light from the candles went out and their little space was pitched into shadows. She turned on her side and he nestled against her back, his head resting on her shoulder. When he slid an arm around her, she wiggled until her bottom was resting against him and smiled at his obvious reaction. Reaching down, she slid her hand over his hip and down the length of his thigh.

“What are you trying to do? I thought you were tired.”

His breath was a warm whisper on her ear and she felt a little shiver run down her back. That shiver turned into a zing of pleasure when he slid a hand under the soft fabric and rubbed over her belly with a calloused hand. She felt him move and then heard the sound of cloth rustling when he pushed his shorts down over his thighs and past his knees so that he could kick them off.

“So? I lied.” His skin felt so warm and the hairs on his thighs rubbed over the backs of her legs. She sighed and wiggled her bottom against him again and felt a pleasing poke against the back of her thigh.

“Shh...” He laughed softly when she pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Do you want her to hear us?”

“I don't think she'd care.” She whispered back. She shifted slightly, pulling up her knee and easing her leg back over his to give him a little more room to move. It was the right thing to do and she sighed softly and arched her back when he slid into her, shivering a little when the cool metal of the ring nestled at the base of his erection, rubbed against her.

He chuckled and pressed his hand flat against her belly, holding her against him as he started to slowly move his hips. She bit her lip and leaned her head back against his shoulder, sliding her hand over his arm and down to his hand. She touched his palm with her fingers and he clutched at her, his fingers curling over hers before he let go and slid his hand up between her breasts.

He held her tightly, grunting softly in her ear. He buried his face in her hair, and she tried to keep from crying out as the pressure built up inside her. With every thrust of his hips, he was filling her. Stretching her. His hand moved and she felt his fingers toying with her breasts. His fingers toyed with the chain and then he rubbed the tips of them over the small rings, stroking and pulling at her sensitive nipples until she thought she was going to scream.

“John...”

“Don't talk...” She turned her head and he covered her mouth with his, sliding his tongue between her lips in a deep, hot and very wet kiss. She moaned against his mouth and then he let her go. He quickened his pace and she buried her head in the fragrant pillow to muffle her cries of pleasure.

She slid her hand over him, her fingers digging into his hip as the hairs on his chest scraped over her back.

His body was slick with sweat and she thought she was going to melt from the heat of him when his hand slid down between her thighs, cupping her mound. His fingers squeezed over the clip, pressing the little stone against her clit. His breathing kicked up a notch and now he was panting in her ear. Hot, ragged breaths that turned into grunts of animal lust until he growled and his body suddenly went stiff.

He murmured her name and dug his fingers into her, burying his face against her shoulder when he shuddered and climaxed inside her.