John didn't really touch people, Rodney noticed. He had this way of avoiding touches and keeping distance between himself and others while keeping the person he was with from noticing his efforts. People walked away feeling like they were close to John when really he kept them at arm's length, both physically and personally. Rodney could count the amount of information he had about John's personal life on one hand, with fingers left over. Most of that came from common knowledge in the company: John was the eldest Sheppard son, who had left to join the Air Force. Apparently he'd been discharged – for what, Rodney didn't know – and had come to work at SI at his father's request. He was well-liked and much admired.

Rodney was embarrassed to admit that he didn't notice at first, but John stood close to Rodney whenever they talked. He hovered over Rodney's shoulder when Rodney worked, reached out to poke him when he wasn't paying attention, smacked his shoulder when he did something John approved of. Sometimes Rodney felt like his touch lingered longer than appropriate, but he was also sure that was just his imagination.

John touched Rodney more than he did anyone else, but that was probably because once you've seen each other naked, it was easy to be physically intimate without being emotionally so.

~*~*~*

Not too long after the office incident, John showed up at work with a dark look on his face. Since bad moods were uncommon coming from Sheppard, people gave him space, taking care to be quiet in his presence and let him go about his business, unhindered.

He spent all day in his office, even the lunch hour, and Rodney began to worry when it looked like John wouldn't be showing up in Rodney's lab to drive him mad.

"What do you want?" John snapped. He didn't bother raising his head.

"I came to see you, since you haven't showed up for your daily distraction of my minions." Rodney said calmly, settling into one of the two guest seats. John was behind his desk, looking disheveled – tie coming undone, hair almost flat, mouth a flat line.

"Perhaps I didn't show up for a reason, Doctor McKay."

Rodney blinked, taken aback. Had John ever referred to Rodney by his title? He couldn't remember. Whatever was going on, John was upset. Rodney squared his shoulders and braced himself. He couldn't believe he was the one initiating this type of conversation.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't you have work to do?"

"Yes, of course –"

"Then why don't you do it?" John snarled. Rodney clenched his jaw to hold back his angry words. He had done nothing to deserve being spoken to in that manner, and he refused to take it.

"Fine," Rodney said shortly. "I'll have the weekly reports on your desk by the end of the day, Mr. Sheppard. Please excuse me, I really can't afford to be away from my lab for long." Rodney stood and moved swiftly for the door, lamenting the thick carpet that muffled his stomping.

"Wait," John said, sounding almost plaintive. Rodney slowed, pausing a couple feet from the door. He turned to look at John, feeling a pang of sympathy for the man. John was his friend, one of a select few – he should at least try to keep cool when dealing with him when he was so obviously upset and stressed. Rodney slowly returned to his seat, unsure of what to expect.

"It's my brother," John said, looking tired and wrung out.

"Oh?" Rodney asked, holding still, like John was a wild animal and movement would catch his attention. Not an inapt metaphor, Rodney thought. John noticing he was sharing his feelings might cause the same reaction as a wild animal. Rodney had seen the painful squirming of a man forced to articulate when John was pressed to answer a question posed by someone who was unsatisfied by the surface, practiced response John normally gave.

On the other side of the desk, John shrugged. "I never wanted to work for the company, but my dad…so my brother is on my ass to make sure I'm not fucking things up."

Rodney nodded. He could imagine. It was easy to tell that John was nothing like the other Sheppards. He could imagine how such differences would have caused strife, especially for someone as strict and uptight as the eldest Sheppard.

"My parents fought all the time," Rodney offered. "Neither were happy with the marriage but felt they should stay for my sister and I. Their treatment of Jeannie and I was always flavored with more than a little bitterness." Rodney's mouth twisted. John met his eyes for the first time since Rodney sat down.

"I'm sorry," John murmured. Rodney waved a hand dismissively.

"It's fine. There's no doubt Jeannie and I are messed up because of it, but at least we learned what not to do in the event of either of us procreating."

"Small favors," John said wryly. They sat silently for a moment, John staring at the desk and Rodney staring at John. Rodney felt a pleasant sense of camaraderie – it was nice not being the only one with the dysfunctional family. John still looked exhausted and somehow small, but the set of his shoulders seemed less tense. Rodney felt himself relaxing somewhat. Being at odds with John wasn't pleasant.

"Hey," Rodney said suddenly, startling John into looking at him again. "We should go out tonight."

John's eyes widened and he straightened up. When Rodney's brain caught up with his mouth, his eyes went wide and he felt a warm flush heat his cheeks. He frantically waved his hands in the air between himself and John.

"I – I meant as friends, of course, we should go out and toast to crappy parents and we can invite Radek and Carson – not that they have crappy parents, they seem to have good relationships with their families - but it'll be like our thing, just a couple days early. It's not fun to drink alone."

John's mouth twitched. His green eyes looked warm and bright; Rodney felt a warmth in his chest. He really was ridiculously fond of him, it was sad, really. John didn't get upset when Rodney yelled at him or called him names, and he understood Rodney's jokes and was enough of a geek to talk Trek with him. It was really nice – Rodney supposed this is what having a best friend is like.

"Relax, Rodney," John drawled, leaning back and sprawling in his chair. "I know what you meant." He tilted his head down, peering at Rodney through his eyelashes. Rodney shifted in his seat – it'd be impossible to hide an erection when he left, and if John kept looking at him like that…well. It brought things to mind – sexy, fun things, half memory and half fantasy, and Rodney couldn't be blamed for having a reaction.

"Could be fun," John commented, smiling at him, and Rodney nodded.

"You can listen to Carson's romantic woes," Rodney said.

John laughed. "And listen to Radek talk about the lovely, virtuous Elizabeth."

"I half expect her to walk on water, going by Radek's comments."

"We are all fools in love," John murmured, meeting his eyes. Rodney swallowed and dropped his eyes. This is your boss, he reminded himself.

"Is that a quote?"

John grinned. "Yep."

"I thought so." Rodney tilted his head to the side. "What's it from?"

"I know it from Pride and Prejudice," John said.

Rodney groaned. "You have terrible taste in novels!"

John laughed. "I like a good classic now and then."

"Terrible taste," Rodney emphasized, burying his face in his hands.

"Aw, you know you like me." John said, reaching out to poke at the hands still covering Rodney's face.

"Sometimes I wonder why," Rodney sighed. He shook his head but couldn't look at John's amused, bright face and pretend he didn't. He grinned back.

When John walked him to the door, he pressed his hand against Rodney's lower back.

~*~*~*

They met up at the bar. Rodney had wanted to wait for John, but he'd been waved off by the secretary. Rodney had caught a glimpse of John over the secretary's shoulder: behind his desk, brow furrowed, and phone pressed against his ear. Judging from the expression on his face, Rodney guessed it was another call with his brother. More than ever, Rodney was glad he had invited John out for some fun; he needed it.

Rodney wondered why John stuck with this job if it made him so unhappy. John didn't seem the type to stick around in a situation like this.

The bar was crowded as usual, the noise level just below headache inducing. Bad music was pouring from a battered, worn out jukebox in the corner. Their usual table was taken by people who didn't look old enough to be drinking, and Rodney grumbled loudly enough about that to earn some looks from the other patrons.

Despite the crowd, John should find him – them, Rodney thought sternly, John was coming to hang out with them, not just him - easily enough when he arrives; they were near their usual table, closer to the bar. Radek and Carson slipped easily into a conversation where they talk each other up to asking their respective romantic interests to dance, a topic which Rodney had little interest in or advice to give. He waited impatiently for John to walk through the door, tapping his fingers on the rough wooden table, glancing often toward the front doors.

Rodney didn't notice someone approaching their table and nearly knocked his beer over when he was tapped on the shoulder. He turned to find a familiar face looking down on him.

"Hey, Rodney," Jonas said, smiling brightly. Rodney automatically found himself smiling back. Jonas was one of those genuinely nice people; there was something about him that made it difficult to dislike him, Rodney found. Rodney gave him a once-over: Jonas looked good - healthy and happy and as good-looking as ever. When Jonas stepped closer to be better heard over the noise of the bar, Rodney breathed in his familiar scent.

"Hey," He said. "When did you get back?"

"Couple days ago," Jonas admitted, shoving his hands into his pants pockets. "I meant to contact you but things have been so crazy." He waved a hand to indicate the crazy and Rodney nodded.

"Are you moving back or is this just a visit?" Rodney leaned back in his chair, watched as Jonas watched him. Jonas bit his lip, drawing attention to his mouth. Rodney found himself licking his lips in response. He'd missed Jonas for so long.

"I'm not moving back to the city," Jonas replied. "I'll be living and working out of Nemec."

"Ah," Rodney said, unsure of what else to say. Jonas had left when he'd received a better job offer as head meteorologist at a weather station in another state, and he'd taken the offer with little hesitance. Rodney couldn't blame him – Rodney's own career was important to him – but it had hurt to watch him walk away.

"Welcome back," he said finally, smiling up at him. Jonas' smile widened and their gazes broke only when Radek cleared his throat. When Rodney turned to look at him, he and Carson both were giving Rodney a look he couldn't interpret. He blinked at them, confused. Radek sighed, shaking his head like Rodney had let him down. Carson, meanwhile, was smiling up at Jonas.

"You're welcome to join us, if you like," He offered. "We're just waiting for a friend, John."

Rodney frowned at Carson, noting the weird emphasis. Carson was staring at him now while Radek took over the conversation. What the hell was wrong with these two? They'd always gotten on well with Jonas before, Rodney didn't think anything had changed. Perhaps they thought Rodney would go off with Jonas and leave John here, which was frankly stupid – Rodney had invited John out to make sure he had fun after a trying week of dealing with his idiot family. Rodney wouldn't abandoned him.

"I enjoyed my work in Meridian," Jonas said. "But I do admit it's good to be back in familiar territory."

"I'm sure. What brings you to this bar?"

Jonas smiled. "My new colleagues invited me out. But once I saw Rodney over here, I wanted to come and say hello."

"I'm glad you did. It's good to see you."

Jonas met Rodney's eyes, his gaze dipping down to Rodney's mouth. "Likewise."

Radek elbowed him, hard, and Rodney yelped.

"Jesus, what is your problem?"

Radek blinked innocently at him, his eyes looking bigger than normal behind his glasses. His gaze slide to the side. "John has arrived."

Rodney immediately turned to look, coming halfway out of his chair to wave him over. John's face lit up, his mouth curling into a wide smile as he made his way through the bar, slipping past people and ducking around others. He faltered when he drew near, taking in the unexpected addition to their table.

"John," Rodney said, smiling up at him. "Grab a chair and sit down."

John nodded, his gaze flickering from Jonas to Rodney, to Radek and Carson, and back to Jonas. He dragged a chair over, settling in between Rodney and Jonas, close enough that his arm brushed Rodney's with every movement. John sent a tight smile Rodney's way, a contrast to his open, happy smile from before. Rodney leaned over and bumped John's shoulder with his own, and to Rodney's delight, it made John relax.

"John," Rodney said happily, "this is Jonas."

"Hey," John drawled, leaning back in his chair. Jonas smiled his usual friendly smile, offering a hand to shake. John took it, giving it a brief, firm shake before dropping it. John flagged down a waitress and placed his order, completely ignoring the woman's flirting, his flirty smile nowhere in sight.

"So!" Rodney said brightly, the silence at the table making him nervous. When everyone turned to look at him he faltered, unsure of what to say. "Um. This is…this night is for you, John, so what would you like to do? Play darts? Pool? Jonas plays a mean game of pool."

"I'm sure he does," John said. Jonas was watching the two of them, an eyebrow slightly raised. John reached out and grabbed Rodney's Molson, taking a quick swig from it before Rodney could protest.

"Can't you wait for your own?"

"Nah," John said, wiping his mouth. "It's not like I have to worry about your germs."

Rodney flushed. "Be that as it may –"

"I'll buy you a replacement," John offered, rolling his eyes. Rodney sniffed imperiously.

"Good." He frowned. "Wait a minute, aren't I supposed to be treating you? To cheer you up?"

"I can buy you a beer, Rodney." John replied. A hint of irritation was in his tone; it was one of the few times Rodney could recall John becoming annoyed with him. He was usually so laid back. Rodney frowned some more. Had Dave gotten to Sheppard that badly?

"So, Jonas. How do you know Rodney?" John asked suddenly.

Jonas looked away from Radek and Carson, whom he had been exchanging glances with. "We go way back. We had some mutual friends that introduced us, and we just hit it off. We lived together for a while. Rodney's a good man underneath all that bark." He smiled at Rodney, his dimples making another appearance.

"I see," John said, tone neutral, and he turned to stare at Rodney. Rodney shifted, uncomfortable with the scrutiny. He forced himself to meet John's eyes, raising his chin defiantly. That's right, he thought. It was exactly how you think it was. After a moment John's shoulders slumped and he turned his attention to the table. Rodney attempted to keep the conversation going.

"Jonas moved away a little over a year ago to accept a position in another state. He's a meteorologist," Rodney added.

"Cool," John said, though he sounded as though he didn't find it to be especially so. He couldn't believe the way John was acting! Rodney leaned forward, bringing his face close to John's.

"What's the matter with you?" Rodney hissed.

"Nothing," John said, voice low.

"You're being rude. I'm supposed to be the rude one. You're the charming one."

"Maybe I don't feel like being charming tonight, Rodney."

Rodney pulled away, surprised. It had never occurred to him that John wouldn't be charming. Charm seemed to come to John naturally, as simple as breathing. Rodney studied him as he stared down at the table, tracing a particularly deep gouge in the wood with his pointer finger. He still looked tired and rather miserable, bags under his eyes and lips pressed tightly together – and yet, still gorgeous. Before Rodney could say anything else, the waitress appeared with John's order.

"How do you and Rodney know each other?" Jonas inquired, peering around the waitresses arms. He didn't seem at all offended by the poor first impression John was making.

"I'm his boss," John said. "But before that we met on vacation."

"Really?" Carson asked, finally joining the conversation. "Rodney never told us that."

"Interesting," Radek commented.

John sent Rodney a sidelong glance. He shrugged; what was he supposed to say? It didn't seem a good idea to go around telling people he'd slept with the boss. He was rather surprised John was bringing it up now – it had seemed like an unspoken agreement that neither would mention it.

"We had a good time, didn't we?" John asked Rodney pointedly.

"Yes," Rodney agreed. "A good time had by all."

"That's wonderful," Jonas replied, sending John a knowing look. He bit his lip and glanced at John. "Listen, I should probably get back to my colleagues. Rodney, we should get together sometime – Radek and Carson, too." He was out of his chair and ready to go, draping his jacket over one arm. "It was nice meeting you, John."

"Likewise," John muttered. With that Jonas was gone, moving quickly through the crowded bar.

"What made him come back?" Radek wondered.

"Perhaps he just missed his old friends," Carson suggested. "It's not easy moving to a place where you know no one."

"Who cares?" Rodney asked. "I'm glad he's back."

"Planning on getting back together then?" John inquired, hunching over his drink.

Rodney shrugged. "Who knows?" He certainly didn't know what the future had in store for him. He shot John a surreptitious glance. If Rodney had his choice, Jonas wouldn't be the one he'd choose…

"Great. Listen, I have to get going. I know I said we'd hang out tonight, but I'm tired." John stood abruptly and dug around in his pockets, pulling out his wallet. He tossed a couple bills on the table and pushed in his chair.

"But –" Rodney began.

"You owe me some free beer - I won't miss out on that. I'm just not good company tonight."

"John," Rodney said uncertainly, reaching out to brush John's elbow with his fingertips. John looked down on Rodney, face unreadable. Rodney couldn't let him go, not like this. He hadn't succeeded in cheering him up yet. John's lips quirked into a tiny smile. He patted Rodney on the shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, Rodney. There'll always be next time." His touch briefly lingered on Rodney's shoulder. When he pulled away, Rodney missed the touch.

"Right, of course," Rodney replied, but John was already gone.

~*~*~*

Rodney didn't get a chance to speak to John for the next several days. There were no lab visits, and every time Rodney went up to his office to speak to him privately, he was turned away by the secretary. Rodney was growing frustrated, his annoyance growing with every sympathetic look Carson and Radek shot him. Why wouldn't John just talk to him? They were both adults.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," Rodney complained. "He's being a moron."

"Perhaps he's busy," Carson suggested. Rodney snorted in derision and didn't deign to reply to that. John actively avoided paperwork and hated talking on the phone. No, John was avoiding him, and Rodney knew it had to do with his behavior at the bar a couple days ago. Rodney had his suspicions on what was going on, but it would be hard to confirm them without talking to John.

Which he couldn't do.

"Just give him time," Radek said, pushing his glasses up with one finger. He finished typing on his laptop and reached for his coffee, making a face after taking a sip. Carson nodded in agreement.

"It's not like you can lie in wait for him," Carson said. "Give the man some time."

"Time for what?" Rodney demanded. He flung out one hand, nearly smacking Simpson in the face. He studiously ignored her murderous glare. "What is he even doing up there? Sulking?"

"Trying to come to terms with you getting back together with Jonas," Radek suggested mildly.

Rodney sputtered. "I'm not – he – why would he care?"

Carson and Radek both stared at him incredulously. Rodney rubbed his forehead, feeling embarrassed.

"He's been flirting with you for weeks." Radek said.

"You've been flirting with him for weeks." Carson added.

"Alright, alright," Rodney grumbled.

"It's rather pathetic," Simpson commented from across the room. They turned to look at her. "All the mooning and making eyes at each other."

"I make eyes at no man," Rodney said, offended.

There were three distinct snorts.

"Right," Simpson said dryly. Rodney glared until she returned to her work with a roll of her eyes. This is what he gets for talking about his personal life in the labs – unwanted commentary. At least it was the lunch hour, so the lab was mostly empty, only the most dedicated remaining behind. Rodney had no doubt this conversation would be all over the division before the end of the day.

"Tell him you are not getting back together with your ex," Carson suggested.

"I'd have to see him first. Unless…" Rodney turned pleading eyes his friends' way.

"No," Radek said.

"I will not be your messenger. This is something that should come from you," Carson advised.

"Oh, come one! He doesn't avoid you," Rodney pleaded.

"Good luck," Carson replied, smiling.

"I'll come up with something," Rodney sighed. "See if I help the two of you with your romantic troubles."

"Please don't," Radek retorted.

"When have you ever offered to help?" Carson scoffed.

"With friends like these…" Rodney muttered.

~*~*~*

It took several days, but when Rodney finally managed to corner John, it was late – near dark – and in the parking lot of their work place. A bit creepier than what he'd been going for, but it was the first time he'd done more than catch a glimpse of John. It'd have to do - Rodney would have to take it. It was the best chance he'd gotten for the past three days.

"Jonas and I are not getting back together," Rodney stated immediately. John, started, had dropped his suitcase and fell into a defensive position. When he saw that it was only Rodney, he straightened, scowling.

"What the hell, McKay? I could have hurt you," John snapped.

"Jonas and I are not getting back together," Rodney repeated firmly.

"Good for the two of you." There was no bite to John's words, however, his anger fading as fast as it appeared. In hindsight, waiting for a former member of the military in a dark place, out of sight, was not the best idea.

"So I hear we've been flirting for weeks," Rodney went on with forced casualness.

"Yeah," John said, nodding slowly. He was beginning to look cautiously hopeful.

"I wish someone had told me sooner."

John's eyebrows rose. "You didn't realize?"

"I knew I was flirting. I wasn't sure about you."

"Rodney," John sighed, exasperated.

"What? It's not my fault! You flirt with everyone. I thought it was a reflex with you."

John shook his head. "And here I thought you weren't…you know, interested."

"Oh, I am," Rodney explained. "I just didn't realize you were too."

"So…" John hesitated. "Where do we go from here?"

"Well," Rodney considered. "I thought there'd be kissing. The part after that is up to you – I wouldn't mind spending the night with you, but if you'd like to take it slow…"

John approached him, leaving his suitcase on the ground. He reached out and cupped Rodney's face. "I'd like that," he murmured, and leaned in. He brushed his lips against Rodney's once, twice, before deepening the kiss. Rodney moaned, pressed his body against John's, slide his hands around John's waist to his back. He spread his fingers, his right hand pressing between John's shoulder blades, bringing him in close. They continued to kiss, brief, sweet kisses, and Rodney desperately wanted to keep this man.

When Rodney pulled away, John made a disappointed noise in the back of his throat, chasing Rodney's lips with his own. Rodney couldn't stop his mouth from curling into a crooked smile, pleased that John seemed to want him so much. He pressed one last kiss to the corner of John's mouth, rubbed his nose once against John's, feeling embarrassingly mushy.

"You just make it very hard to focus."

John seemed to perk up slightly at that, eagerly meeting Rodney's eyes. "Yeah?"

Rodney took a step back, swallowing. "Yeah. It's very difficult to get work done with you lounging in my lab looking like the best kind of distraction."

"Oops," John said, but he looked pleased. He took a step closer, crowding Rodney. Rodney felt his breath catch in his throat as John pressed his thumb against Rodney's wet bottom lip. He'd wanted this for so long, since John had walked into the meeting looking gorgeous and surprised to see Rodney waiting for him.

John leaned in, but before he could kiss Rodney again, Rodney pressed a finger against John's mouth.

"Let's take this someplace less public," Rodney said, and John nodded his agreement. He smiled, a full smile that made him look like a goofball - a happy, ridiculous, gorgeous person. Rodney felt so lucky.

"Your place or mine?" John asked.

Rodney smiled.

~*~*~

Rodney struggled to get the key in the lock. To be fair, John had been busy sneaking his hand up Rodney's shirt, tracing Rodney's spine from his neck to the dip just above his ass. He shivered, hands shaking with anticipation, and finally managed to get the damn door unlocked. He pulled John inside, kicking the doors closed, and would have dragged John to the bedroom if John wasn't just as eager as he was, following closely on Rodney's heels. With Rodney leading the way, they navigated the carelessly tossed piles of books, movies, and science journals. He was already working to remove his clothes, leaving them carelessly in the living room and hallway. Rodney hopped on one foot to remove his shoe and sock, and then switched to remove the others, and finally they were in Rodney's bedroom.

They kissed, mouths open and wet, tongues exploring, sliding against one another. Rodney grabbed John by the hips and pulled him close to grind against him, the press of John's hard cock making him want it more. The slide of John's cock against his skin left a trail of pre-cum, the smear of it cooling in the air of the bedroom. John slid his hands down, cupped Rodney's ass, and squeezed. Rodney moaned, head tilting back, and rocked his hips in response. God, he wanted it so badly, he'd wanted it for so long; their one night stand seemed so long ago. His cock ached, red and hard and wet, and he thrust against John one more time before he eagerly pulled him to the bed.

There's a brief scuffle over positioning; John wanted to be on top, kept running his hands down Rodney's back and over his hips. Rodney wanted to be on top, wanted to touch John all over like he'd dreamed about for what felt like forever. Rodney won and John stretched out on his back; he reached out with one hand to flick Rodney's nipples, pull at them. Rodney panted, mouth open, and watched John play with his nipples for a moment. Shaking his head, he reached out to rub John's nipples, sharing the pleasure he gave Rodney.

"Fuck, Rodney," John rasped, and Rodney slid his hand down to give his own cock a quick pull. He wrapped that hand around John and started to jerk him off. Rodney loved it, loved that his own pre-cum eased the way for John. Rodney stared down at his hand wrapped around John's cock, watched the cockhead appear and disappear. Their breathing was loud over the wet noises of Rodney's hand on John's cock. John started fucking into his grasp, eyes closed, and his eyelashes fluttered. His lips were wet from where he'd licked them, red and swollen from the kissing.

John started fucking Rodney's hand earnestly, little blissed-out noises escaping his mouth. John bite his lip when he came, back arched, and Rodney wasn't sure what to watch: John's expression, face tense and mouth open; or his cock, throbbing in his grasp, come coating Rodney's fingers, little drops dotting John's thighs and lower belly. He shuddered, went still, and Rodney let go of his cock. He gave John a few moments to recover, content to briefly ignore his own pressing need to memorize this moment.

John stretched languidly and opened his eyes. Rodney had been waiting for this, and he raised his hand to his mouth, licked it clean, gaze never leaving John's.

"Jesus," John said, eyes wide. He leaned forward, pulled Rodney down, and Rodney rolled so he landed beside John instead of on top of him. John slid his hand down Rodney's chest, pausing a moment to circle around Rodney's belly button, and then he was touching Rodney's cock. He rubbed his hand over Rodney's cockhead, getting it wet, then wrapped his hand around the shaft and began jerking Rodney off. Rodney reached out and put his hand on John's forearm, feeling the muscles move as John worked his cock. John moved closer, nuzzling Rodney's shoulder. He alternated between sucking kisses and biting, and it wasn't long before Rodney was coming, a strangled noise escaping his throat as he tensed. John followed Rodney's lead, licking his own hand clean.

They dozed for some time, on top of the blankets, pressed together, hands and legs tangled. Finally, with a groan, Rodney disentangled himself and rolled out of bed, staggering his way to the bathroom. His body was demanding sleep, but he'd hate himself in the morning if he fell asleep with dried come mixing with his body hair. He cleaned himself quickly, rinsing the washcloth out before taking it with him. When he returned to the bedroom, John was partially under the covers, peering sleepily at Rodney from his sprawled position on the bed.

Rodney waited to climb back into bed before wiping John down, tossing the washcloth carelessly over the side of the bed. He settled in with a sigh, rolling so he was pressed against John and lying on his stomach. He threw one arm over John's chest, and John rested one leg over Rodney's, and they fell asleep like that, lips curled into happy smiles.

~*~*~*

Rodney was pleased to be able to cook John's breakfast just as he liked. Learning to cook had been a useful skill, given his allergies. Restaurants were notoriously unreliable, and Rodney had had too many close encounters to risk eating out every day. Despite the sunshine, good food, and excellent company, Rodney had a serious concern he felt he should mention.

"John," Rodney said carefully. "Is this really a good idea?" He gestured to the two of them.

John looked at Rodney from across the breakfast table, taking in his mussed hair and the languid splay of his body. He'd never seen Rodney look so relaxed. He took a sip of his coffee, set down his piece of toast, and gave Rodney his complete attention.

"What?" He asked calmly. Only the tightening of his lips gave away his unhappiness with the topic of conversation. He sat back in his chair, one arm casually slung over the back of the chair.

Rodney nodded, looking miserable. His body was beginning to tense, the hard-earned relaxation disappearing as the room grew thick with tension. "Yes. We work together, John. You're my boss. This could end badly in so many ways, and given my track record, I think it'd be smarter to quit while things are still good, rather than waiting until down the road when you hate my guts and I begin to daydream about blowing up your car."

John furrowed his brow, momentarily sidetracked. "You know how to do that?"

Rodney snorted. "Please. Pretty much everyone who works in the R&D department could do it."

John shifted in his seat. "Well that's...terrifying."

Rodney shrugged. After a pause, Rodney began again, gaining confidence. "So you see, it's best if this be another one time deal, no matter how much in pains me to say that." He sent John a look full of longing, blue eyes cataloguing John's perpetual bedhead; his green eyes; his wrists, free from the watch and wristband he usually wore. Rodney's mouth was curved into an unhappy slash.

"Rodney," John said patiently. "This is entirely unnecessary."

The longing look disappeared, replaced by the superior expression he wore every time someone challenged what Rodney thought to be right. "I've thought this through and it's the best option."

"Nope," John drawled, smirking at him. Rodney scowled. As much as Rodney didn't appear happy about sending John away, disagreeing with the man did nothing but rile him up. John was tempted to rile him up some more, but Rodney thinking they had to go their separate ways was kind of annoying. If Rodney were sitting closer, John would smack him upside the head.

"And why not?" Rodney demanded.

"Because," John drawled, pausing long enough to watch Rodney's eyes narrow with impatience. "I resigned."

There was a moment of silence as Rodney took that in, and then Rodney was out of his seat, looking horrified. "What?"

"I resigned," John repeated. "I'm not suited for the job."

"But, but," Rodney replied, looking lost. "Everything was going well, you were doing everything correctly, I haven't heard any complaints about the way you're running things."

"I can do the job, Rodney. I just don't want to. I'm not meant to sit idly behind a desk." John shrugged. "It's boring and the only reason I would go into work is to annoy you."

"Annoy me," Rodney said flatly.

"Mmhmm," John grinned. "You make the best faces. You're cute when you're riled up."

"Cute - I am not cute!" Rodney looked so indignant, cheeks turning light pink, blue eyes bright with emotion. John felt his grin soften, turn into a warm smile. There was never a dull moment with Rodney, and John liked that. He liked a lot of things about Rodney, about being with him.

"What will you do, then?" Rodney asked, glaring at him, cheeks still flushed.

"Don't know," John said calmly. "I'll figure something out. Maybe I'll start a coffee shop."

Rodney perked right up, visibly brightening. "Coffee?"

John chuckled. He pulled Rodney close, wrapped an arm around him as Rodney leaned into him. John sighed, feeling comfortable and warm. He liked feeling Rodney's solid frame against his own; Rodney felt like someone John could depend on, to hold John's weight.

"We'll figure something out."

"Mmm," Rodney said. "Coffee."

John snorted. "Right."

Rodney bit him, a light press of teeth. John gently swatted his head, earning him a sleepy grumble, but Rodney didn't pull away. John leaned his head against Rodney's and closed his eyes.

Soon they'd have to put the dirty dishes in the sink, get dressed and return to work, but for now, they had this moment, the start of something John knew would be good.

It was enough.