NOTES: A whimsy of mine.

Five Men Who Never Wanted Teyla Emmagen

- Dangerous -

She's dangerous.

He can't understand why nobody else sees it - why they're all blinded by the charm and calm formality that passes for 'culture' among her people.

It's more than just the fact that they don't know who tipped off the Wraith about their arrival in Pegasus, or that she's so swiftly become a 'trusted companion' in Major Sheppard's eyes. It goes further than Colonel Sumner's dislike of the Athosians, and encompasses more than the attacks that surprise them every time they turn around in this goddamned galaxy.

She's dangerous.

Bates knows that, and he keeps a watchful eye on her.

Sometimes their gazes meet, eye to eye, and he knows that she's aware of his observation and why. He suspects his paranoia amuses her and that only irritates him further.

He catalogues her moves, her fighting form: she's got a dancer's body but a fighter's instincts. And the men on the base see that - they can hardly help it. Bates just tries to make sure she doesn't hypnotise him with the tamed grace of her walk.

He doesn't always succeed.

Moments play out in his head sometimes when he passes her in the corridor. What would she do if he grabbed her and shoved her up against a wall? Bit down on her mouth and found out what an alien woman really did taste like? Ground his hips into hers and felt her struggle for just that one moment--

--before she thrust him away and punched his lights out.

Distrust comes naturally. So, too, does self-preservation.

So Bates eyeballs her, but keeps walking.

And he watches her.

-oOo-