Chapter 11

McKay had installed dim lights that created tones in the babies' room. Another idea that sprang to life on his computer console in his lab.

Atlantis used them to 'sing' the babies to sleep. The tunes resembled the ancient Athosian lullabies sang to them by their nanny.

John and Sam stood in the doorway watching the lights pulse one to the other in rhythms, listening to the comforting melody. Sam leaned against him and he circled his arms around her waist.

"Peaceful aren't they?" John said.

"Yes, Atlantis and everyone who inhabits her have been taking such great care of them. I couldn't be more proud of them or happier with my life."

"Even with me?"

"Especially with you. Here, just like this. I feel at home here, in Atlantis, and in your arms."

He kissed her cheek softly.

"I'm glad, because this feels like home to me too."

"Well then." She said leading him out of the nursery and closing the door gently. "Since you haven't stayed at your place in, who knows how long, why don't you just move in with us."

"Well," He said with that charismatic grin and sparkling eyes, "that all depends on where I'm sleeping."

"Oh, is that supposed to be a line? Because that's about the worst attempt to get in my pants I've heard yet."

"Oh? And how just how many times have people tried to get in your pants anyway?" He said with a devilish grin as he slid his arms around her and pulled her to him.

"Not enough, especially from you!" She said wickedly.

He smiled ear to ear and pulled her in for a kiss.

The kiss quickly evolved into hot and heavy groping and kissing.

He picked her up into a semi-seated position, legs wrapped around his waist as we walked her to her room. He gently laid her down on the bed.

Their lovemaking was hot and heavy, with months and months of pent up tension releasing. When finished they lay entwined, breathing heavy and coated in sweat.

"So is that a yes?" Sam asked.

"About what?"

"Moving in."

"Oh, that's definitely a yes!"

They fell into a content sleep until the babies stirred. She got up and nursed them and they were quickly back to sleep, Atlantis 'humming' them a tune.

She went to their room and watched him for a few moments. His breathing was even his face at peace. He even looked sort of angelic sleeping there twisted up in the sheets.

She went to the balcony and ran her hand over the railing felling a vibration within, Atlantis.

She smiled and gave the railing a gentle squeeze, "Thank you." she whispered. A tingle spread up her arm in response filling her with a feeling of love and comfort.

Atlantis had given what she had failed to take the time for, love and a family. Now she had two beautiful children, a wonderful group of friends and she dare say love to thank Atlantis for.

His movements were silent, but she could sense them anyway. He slid up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She reveled in his warmth, in his comforting embrace. He dipped his nose lightly in her hair and breathed in the scent. He found her practically intoxicating. He wondered if Atlantis had anything to do with it. 'Probably not' he surmised. He didn't know anyone who hadn't wanted to get to know the good Colonel a little better, even before she ever stepped foot on Atlantis. There was just something about her. He couldn't place it on any one thing, it was a combination of a good many things, a whole that made her, well, her.

"What are you thinking about?" She asked him.

"Many things. Mostly that I never thought my life would turn out like this."

She could feel his smile on the side of her head. He tenderly kissed the area and she smiled to herself as well.

"Professionally or personally?"

"Both, definitely both!"

She softly chuckled.

"Then the question is, are you enjoying your life? Are you happy?"

She wasn't afraid of the answer, she was perfectly content, happy and secure in his arms. His stance was easy and relaxed.

"Very!" "I mean this is probably the strangest set of circumstances I could ever have thought up since stepping thru the gate." "Scratch that, even with the weird situations I dreamed up, in an attempt to prepare, during my first year here, this... well this wasn't one of them." "But, despite the strangeness of it all, I am very happy, and content. My life is perfect."

She smiled, she felt the exact same way. Even after so many years of 'strange' things happening on and off world, she didn't see this coming either.

She turned in a circle in his arms.

"John."

"Sam?"

They lightly kissed, then hugged. They stayed cuddled like that on the balcony a few more minutes, warm salty breezes washing over them.

"I love you Sam. I love you and I want to be here with you... for you."

"I love you too John. And I want you here too."

He kissed her firmly but with every ounce of love and emotion he had. So sweet it was that unbidden tears traced a path down her cheeks.

"Marry me."

She looked at him wide eyed and surprised. Words failed her and her mind froze.

"Don't think... just feel."

A breeze washed over her and she closed her eyes and soaked in the moment. He had been everything she had needed asking nothing in return over the past few months. She did love him, she had denied it, convincing herself that the fire in her soul that burned for him was her need for comfort, compassion, lust, everything but love. She could deny it no longer. She had admitted it to him and most importantly to herself.

She kissed him and answered with a mumbled "Yes!" against his lips.

The balcony below their feet vibrated intensely, flashes of light danced along it.

"Apparently, Atlantis likes the idea too." John said chuckling.

Sam joined with her own musical laughter and they hugged tightly, the light display zipping along the walls and floor all around them.

The End

Ficletts coming sometime. Will need to finish Saving Grace first tough, I have neglected it long enough.