darkhavens | 'What Teyla Said', one for slashthedrabble challenge #35

Author: darkhavens
Title: What Teyla Said
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard, Stargate Atlantis
Rating: PG
Words: 500
Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be. No harm, no foul, no money made.
Summary: Teyla asks questions and Rodney figures out the answer.

What Teyla Said

Rodney glared and John wondered yet again if there wasn't some way to hook Rodney into the city's Ancient defence systems. Surely if he could put that much energy into a simple look he could blow the Wraith ships out of the sky without breaking a sweat.

"...Courting! She thinks we're courting!"

John scratched his belly and watched Rodney vibrate with frustration.

Ready. Aim. Fire.

"Are you sure you didn't misunderstand?"

Direct hit.

Rodney's face practically glowed with righteous indignation and John gave a fleeting thought to the city sensors and how they'd react if Rodney exploded on the spot.

"Misunderstand? Misunderstand? Let us see if you misunderstand what Teyla said, shall we? Let me see, how did it go, exactly? Oh, yes."

'I have enjoyed, over the past months, watching the courtship ritual between yourself and Major Sheppard, Doctor McKay. Despite the many differences between our peoples it would appear that courtship at least follows a similar path. However, I do find it curious that you have spent so long on the penultimate phase of the ritual. You have both worked to attract the attention of the other, and you have both displayed a protective stance that speaks of your intentions and respect for one another, despite the outward appearance of distain and the use of sometimes disrespectful... 'nick' names?' I can only assume that there is some sort of societal rule that dictates how long the courtship must last? Or are you waiting for Doctor Weir, as head of your group, to grant permission?

'In Athosian culture only the very young must seek permission, and the response is always swift to avoid discomfort and uncertainty. If you have not actually informed her of your intentions I am not certain that Doctor Weir is aware of the courtship. I know that Lieutenant Ford was surprised when I first asked his opinion. He attempted to persuade me that I must be mistaken. Then he explained the rule of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. I assured him that it was not my intention to spread false rumour, and that I would never think to speak of this outside our team. It took him almost a month to accept the truth behind your actions, and since then he has helped me to understand that your courtship is rather unique amongst your people. It is good to know that your rituals can be adapted as appropriate, but still, it leaves me wondering why...'

The unexpected pressure of John's lips on his completely wiped clean Rodney's mental slate. He'd been saying something? Courtship. Yes, someone had been mistaken, thinking that their constant sniping and arguments meant... Oh! A thousand light bulbs suddenly went on in Rodney's brain, as every verbal jab, each blatant invasion of personal space, and every insane argument slipped neatly into place within the whole - courtship, geek-style. Of course!

Humming happily into John's hungry, eager mouth, Rodney decided it was time to move this courtship out of its penultimate phase. Enough foreplay already.