A/N: Okay, this one is a little over, 450 words on the nose. Enjoy!

Flash FictionChallenge

McKeller

Built in a Day

Rodney and Jennifer had been arguing off and on for a while about one thing or another. Most of their arguments were about piddling little things that, in retrospect, didn't matter nearly as much as they seemed to during the fights.

The physicist and the physician had both been moping around long enough that John decided to take a hand in curing this disease of the heart. To that end, he enlisted some assistance from Ronon who, the Colonel was certain, was a closet romantic. Neither man liked seeing their friends miserable when they could do something about it. Jennifer and Rodney's relationship wasn't built in a day but, together, they planned on rebuilding in one night.

He stationed the biggest Marine he could find at the Rec Room door then gathered his co-conspirators together for their final instructions. "…everyone knows what to do?" All heads nodded. The Marine called his name, flashing a hand signal. "Good, 'cause here they come."

The group scattered forming into smaller groups that looked casual. Moments later, Jennifer arrived, pulled along by Teyla. They mingled a while then Teyla excused herself just as people began finding their seats.

Rodney entered a short time later literally being dragged by Ronon. The big man told Rodney to stay put next to the snack table and was gone in a flash.

Before long, the best seats were taken by others because every time Rodney or Jennifer tried to sit down, someone beat them to it until the only two seats left were on one of the love seats. They saw each other and tried to leave but Ronon stopped them. "Sit!" They did as instructed trying not to touch each other but again Ronon intervened by taking up the leftover space on the end forcing them to press tightly against each other.

About fifteen minutes into the movie they both began to relax. Rodney reached over to take Jennifer's hand but she moved it out of his way and stood. After whispering in Ronon's ear, he let her go.

Jennifer returned a few minutes later with a bag of popcorn liberally coated with salt and butter, just the way her husband liked it. She leaned over and whispered two words then offered it to him. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. The other hand slipped a few kernels first into her mouth then his own before he planted a quick kiss on her lips as she snuggled into him, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh.

Ronon got up and joined John at the very back of the room. The men shared self-satisfied grins and settled down to watch the movie.

END