AN: I know I severely stretch the limits of a time frame in this, but I blame artistic licence.

Set while Ronon and John are heading down to the core room in the Asuran city.

Lifeline

Elizabeth focused intently on the windshield of the 'Jumper, trying to ignore the seemingly consistent buzzing in her joints. She told herself it was nerves. Adrenalin. Or merely the thought of tiny machines in her bloodstream – that alone made her skin crawl. Turning back to look at Rodney, the faint echo of anger dissipated as he met her gaze, face stony and unrepentant.

"Elizabeth," he started abruptly. "There are some things – "

"Rodney, wait – "

He shook his head. "No, listen. I just want it noted that when I asked you if you wanted to get married, I didn't mean at some distant point in the future to some random person. I meant to me. I did kind of spring it on you. Even after…after…what I did, which I couldn't not do, I guess what I'm saying is…my offer stands."

Elizabeth said nothing at first, weighing her emotions. Neutrality had seemed so natural to her before coming to the Pegasus galaxy. Opposing parties relied on her objective opinion, but right now subjectivity was a greater vice than she realised.

"You were reckless," she told him firmly. "You risked the safety of the city, and you risked the integrity of our people. Simply because you thought you needed me."

"I do need you. We – we need you too. I'm sorry I did something you didn't want, but I'm not sorry I have the chance to tell you – I love you."

The sigh escaped her before she could stifle it. "I love you too, Rodney. But…I'm not sure how I feel about this."

"You love me," Rodney stated. "So…so…marry me."

"There's more to it than that!"

"I know that," he agonised.

Elizabeth left her seat, pulling him into a searing kiss. His momentary stiffness gave way to the passion she was used to him revealing when it was just them. He held her tight – too tight – then pulled back as quickly as she had approached him.

"Yes," Elizabeth said, and she laughed.

His eyes widened. "Yes?"

"Yes!"

"Oh thank God."

She held her fingers over his lips. "One condition. Rodney, if I… promise me that if anything happens to me, you will move on."

"How can you say that?" he demanded anxiously.

"Rodney…"

He frowned. "I can't promise that. Because…because…regardless of whether or not we make it out of this, I will still marry you."

Elizabeth stared hopelessly at him. She couldn't explain how important it was. She couldn't explain how her heart was filled with dread. So instead she kissed him again.

It felt too much like a final goodbye.

And then she knew.

They had kissed for the last time.

fin

2AN: This is the first time I've cried while writing a fanfic. =( I really enjoyed writing Moments - enjoyed finishing it at last. Anyway, while this concludes this fic, there will be two companion pieces - hopefully in the next few days. They will be titled Reckless and Regardless.