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Disclaimer: I do not either Stargate Atlantis or Simply Irresistible. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Prompt: Simply Irresistible - A department store executive tries to resist falling in love with a young woman, who he believes has possessed magical powers after inheriting a restaurant.
Category: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Summary: Rodney McKay’s relationships never lasted past the third. Can one man and a little magic break through the curse of the third date?
Warnings/Spoilers: No spoilers that I can think of for Stargate Atlantis. Spoilers for the whole movie Simply Irresistible – some of the lines came from it and the plot is based off of it.
Author's Notes:I had major writer’s block while trying to write this. I tried changing my movie but nothing seemed to work. I hope this is enjoyable to read. AU of SGA. Many thanks goes out to Alisa for beta-ing this behemoth and putting up with my accidental tense change part way through.
Irresistible
The market was always full of people and a day had yet to go by that he wasn’t forcefully moved out of the way by someone in a rush but John loved it. He’d been using this market for years – coming on errands for his father before he’d taken over the restaurant. To be perfectly honest the place made him feel closer to his father; a place where he could remember coming and spending time with the man for years before he died.
Walking toward one of the booths John smiled, “Hey guys, how’s it going today.”
Markham smiled back, “Pretty good.”
“What’s good today?”
The other man behind the table of fruits and vegetables pointed out quarts of raspberries, “The raspberries are great.”
John looked them over but noticed the strawberries beside them, “Hmm, tempting but I think I’ll go with two of the strawberry quarts instead. Welcome back by the way.”
Stackhouse nodded, “Thanks. Sorry to hear about you guys.”
John looked up from putting the strawberries Markham passed over into his bag, “What about us?”
Stackhouse flinched as Markham stepped on his foot, “That the restaurant is closing.” He yelped in pain when Markham stomped harder on his foot, “What the hell was that for?”
Markham ignored him, “He’s still jet-lagged,” he said to John. “Ignore him. Have a good day.” With that he all but frog marched Stackhouse away.
Looking at them as he walked away John shook his head; he’d have to talk to Teyla later. Moving to the next booth John looked around the table, “Hey, where are my portabellas?”
Laura came over from the other side of the small area to stand in front of him, “Sorry John, he took them all.” She motioned to a man looking over stuff a couple of booths down. A man dressed in a chef’s uniform and looking very close to making the young girl manning the booth break down into tears.
“Who’s he?”
“Kavanagh, big wig chef for a restaurant opening downtown,” Laura said with great distaste.
“Have you seen him yet?” A voice asked from behind them.
John looked behind him to see a man sitting underneath an umbrella with a basket of crab, “Who, Kavanagh?”
The man shook his head, “No the other one.”
For a moment John didn’t see anyone else around the chef. He heard more then saw the man he was being directed to see. Yelling at Kavanagh for picking up what looked like a lemon was a man a little shorter then himself; with short, thinning brown hair and dressed in a black suit.
Turning back to the man with the crabs John said, “Who’s he?”
The man smiled, “You’ll see.” Motioning to the crabs he said, “These are for you.”
Snorting John shook his head, “No thanks. I wouldn’t have any idea what to do with those.”
“I insist. Your father believes it’s time for you to start living up to your potential.”
At this John looked at the man sharply, “My father’s dead.” Turning quickly John moved to the last booth on his path and ended up jumping in the air. Standing in front of him was the man with the crabs. Looking behind him and forward a couple of times in confusion John said, “You were just over there.”
The man smiled, “I can move pretty quickly when I need to.”
John didn’t get a chance to respond. The entire area of the market was interrupted when Kavanagh shoved one of the lemons, now cut in half into the other man’s face. The man let out an unmanly screech and pushed himself away from it. “Are you insane? Do you want to kill me?”
John shook his head. “Fifty dollars,” came from behind him.
“Hmm,” John turned back to the mysterious man.
Holding up the bucket the man said, “For the crabs.”
Still focusing more on the scene the other two men created John nodded and pulled out the money. As he handed it over the man said, “I’m Carson Beckett by the way.”
John shook his hand, “Nice to meet you.”
Carson smiled, “Don’t let it get away.” John turned to see one of the crabs scampering for a table.
Grumbling John lunged for it but missed as it dashed under the table. Crawling in after it John reached blindly out the other side of the table, grabbing what he figured was the crab. As soon as he exclaimed, “Gotch’ya!” he knew he was wrong.
Crawling the rest of the way out from the under the table he came face to face with the man that had been yelling at Kavanagh. Sheepishly John said, “Sorry, something was about to crawl up your pants.”
The man didn’t look like he believed him, “Right.” Muttering he turned to leave. John saw the crab but before he could grab it or say anything it was sticking its claw up the suit leg of the other man. “Ow!” The man shook his leg grabbing for his shin.
Glaring at John he said, “You did that on purpose.”
“Oh yeah, I purposely set that crab on you.” He stuck out his hand, “John Sheppard.”
John stood there feeling foolish and wondering if the man was going to accept his handshake for what felt like a good couple of minutes. Finally the other man let go of his shin and took his hand, “Rodney McKay.”
“You don’t look like you’re in the restaurant business,” John said, releasing his hand.
“Oh and why not?” Rodney seemed to be setting up for the beginnings of a rant that John felt would probably leave him wishing to be deaf.
“The suit,” he said quickly, trying to stave off the outraged look on Rodney’s face. “Not many people around here are that well dressed.”
That seemed to appease him, “I’m not really. Well I mean I don’t cook. I’m running a new restaurant opening in a couple of days.”
John nodded, “Ah, well I should go. Sorry about the crab. If it’s any consolation I plan on cooking it in my restaurant later.”
“It’s not but thanks,” Rodney turned and walked away. As he did John was just able to make out him muttering, “Now where in the hell did chef whoever-the-hell-he-is go?”
John laughed and turned to leave himself. Carson was standing directly behind him. “You need to stop doing that,” he stated.
Carson held up the bucket of crabs, “I found the runaway. Don’t forget these...oh and your change too.”
John took the crabs and the money, watching Carson cross to the other side of the market street. He watched as someone on a bike moved in front of him and Carson was gone in the next second. Looking down to the crabs John shook his head. This day was turning out to be weird.
****
Rodney walked toward his office wanting nothing more than to collapse into his chair and hide behind his computer for the rest of the day. He wasn’t cut out for this type of thing. He knew nothing about cooking and would much rather have been focused completely on the business end but it was a favour to the owner of the store. He needed to keep the man happy if he wanted to get promoted as high as possible.
“There is a tall rude lady in your office,” Radek Zalenka, Rodney’s secretary and friend said as began to walk beside him.
“What’s she doing in there? I told you never to let anyone in there if I’m not there Zanka,” Rodney said agitated.
“Zalenka, and she would not take no for an answer; threatened all sorts of things.”
Rodney scowled and went to enter his office. Before he could the woman in question came out the doors. She wasn’t running but there was an excited jump to her steps – Rodney knew she was up to something.
“Hi Rodney,” the blonde woman kissed him before stepping away.
“Samantha, I thought we were meeting for lunch later?”
Sam nodded, “We are. I just uploaded my schedule to your computer; that way we know where each other is all the time. Isn’t that neat?”
Rodney grunted, “Yeah, see you at lunch.” Nodding again Sam walked out of the room leaving Rodney and Zalenka standing outside Rodney’s open office.
Going in Rodney went straight to the computer. With a few clicks he had his schedule displaying on one of the three monitors that donned the wall across from the desk. He groaned, “She messed everything up and she used red. I can’t stand red.”
Zalenka shrugged, “Looks okay to me. Seems to be a good relationship.”
“I was planning on breaking up with her at lunch,” Rodney said as he went about trying to undo what Sam had done to his schedule.
Zalenka put the papers he had in his hand on the desk before walking around the office, “Really? I thought you and she were getting along. Wasn’t she the one you had to stalk to get her to go out with you?”
Rodney looked over at him and gave an undignified squawk, “I never stalked her. I get along with her just fine. It’s just that it’s been three dates already.”
“So,” Zalenka asked blankly.
“Everything always goes downhill after three dates. I’ve got data,” Rodney pulled up a graph.
Radek muttered, “Of course you do.” Loud enough for Rodney to hear he said, “You think maybe it’s something you do that makes date four so bad?” Rodney looked at him like he was insane.
“Don’t touch that,” Rodney took the paper plane Radek had picked up during his walkabout and put it back on the metal spike.
Radek shook his head, “I don’t understand your obsession with those things. ‘Tis not like you like to fly.”
Rodney turned around, “It’s the physics of the matter. Now what did you want.”
Radek turned to the papers he’d placed on the desk, “You need to go over those and sign them.”
Rodney looked at the papers with distaste but sat down and began to go through them anyway.
****
Teyla smiled as John walked into the restaurant, “Hello John.”
“Hey Teyla,” John said as he put the bucket of crabs down on a chair. “Damn, those things are heavier then they look.”
Teyla looked into the bucket, “Crabs? Why you’d buy those?”
John shook his head, a thoughtful look on his face, “You know I’m not really sure. Ran into a man at the market with them today; said he was a friend of dad’s. Name was Carson Beckett I think.”
Shaking her head Teyla went back around the counter of the restaurant, “I don’t know anyone by that name. I made coffee would you like some?”
John nodded, “Yes. Oh Teyla was there anything you wanted to tell me?”
Teyla paused, the coffee pot in her hand. After a moment she said, “No, nothing John. Why?” John could hear uncertainty in her voice.
“I heard something interesting in the market today. Stackhouse said some things.”
“Oh he’s back, how was his trip?” Teyla wouldn’t look John in the eye.
Putting his hands on the table John tried to be calm, “Teyla we agreed to run the business together. That involves you telling me what is going on.”
Putting John’s coffee in front of him Teyla sighed and came around the counter and sat down. Fiddling with a napkin for a second Teyla seemed to gain some confidence, “John, I’m sorry but the landlord raised the rent again.”
“Again, how much is it now?”
“Five thousand dollars a month.”
John drew in a sharp breath, “What! Can they even do that?”
Teyla nodded, “I’m afraid so. John,” she took his hand, squeezing slightly, “we haven’t been making it for a while.”
John felt his stomach drop; Ancient Atlantis had been open for over 70 years passing down through the members of his family. It couldn’t close, he’d be letting his father down and he couldn’t do that. “What about a loan? We could get one of those to help, couldn’t we?”
“I’ve already tried. I’m afraid the bank won’t give us one. They are worried we wouldn’t be able to pay it back with how business is going.”
John nodded numbly. After a moment he grabbed the crabs and made his way to back to the kitchen. Teyla watched him go sadly; she’s worked for the restaurant for a long time, knew John for his entire life – it would be sad to see the restaurant close and she hated seeing John looking so defeated.
When John entered the kitchen he saw that Ronon was preparing for the lunch orders they knew they would have. Thinking about the regulars John knew he was going to have to tell them that Ancient Atlantis was closing when they came in today. They would want to start looking for another restaurant.
“Hey, Sheppard how was the market?” Ronon asked, pulling John back to reality and out of the funk he was slipping into the more he dwelled on things.
“Hey, Ronon it was pretty good,” he held up the bucket of crabs, “Got some crabs.”
Ronon took the bucket from him, looking into it before putting it on the counter, “What do you plan on doing with those?”
“I plan to cook them.” Ronon snorted. Punching him in the shoulder John said, “Knock it off.”
Ronon went back to preparing the lunches for the regulars while John tried to make a new sauce to potentially go with the crab. Looking at the boiling liquid he crinkled his nose in disgust. Somehow it had ended up looking like vomit and smelling even worse. Not wanting to taste it himself, to confirm what he thought John looked to Ronon.
“You want to taste this for me?” He asked, holding out a wooden spoon with some of the sauce on it.
Ronon looked like he was going to say no for a moment but he took a small sip of the sauce anyway. John didn’t even have to ask what he thought to know that he was correct in thinking it sucked – the look on Ronon’s face said it well enough.
“It’s not bad,” Ronon said, while to trying to look for something to get the taste out of his mouth without John noticing.
John snorted, “Yeah right. Thanks for trying but I can see it in your face. I know it sucks. Probably tastes like dirt and we both know there is only one thing worse than that.”
With a knowing look together they said, “Rum Raisin.”
Outside the kitchen John heard Teyla welcoming some of their regulars. Looking down to the pot John sighed and dumped the contents down the drain. Wiping his hands he made his way to the door. He might as well tell them now.
Turning to Ronon John said, “Can you bring that out when it’s done?” Ronon grunted in response and John left the kitchen.
“Hello John,” he was greeted by the two regulars.
“Hey guys, Ronon’ll be out with your food in a moment,” he gave them a strained smile.
Elizabeth Weir smiled, “That’s great John. How are you?”
“I’m okay, how are you two?” He was starting to chicken out; perhaps he would tell them after they ate.
Elizabeth answered that she was okay but before Evan Lorne could say anything the third of Ancient Atlantis’ regulars came in. Richard Woolsey came rushing in with a brown paper bag at the same time Ronon brought out Elizabeth and Evan’s food. Placing it in front on them without a word he went back to the kitchen.
“It looks great as always John,” Evan said.
John smiled but it was Woolsey that spoke, “Hey guys, you know the little bistro down the street?” He didn’t wait for an answer before continuing, “They got evicted – too many health violations. At least we don’t have to worry about not having some place to eat.”
John knew that he should tell them now before he lost his nerve completely. “Guys, there’s something you need to know about Ancient Atlantis,” he said, sadly.
“We’re going to be closing down.”
Everyone started to talk at once and by the time they were quiet John needed to get out of the restaurant. Leaving Teyla to explain things John rushed out the front door. Leaning against the wall he let out a heavy sigh, crouched on his knees and wiped away a stray tear.
****
Rodney and Samantha had met outside of the department store his office and the new restaurant were based out of. Since Samantha had decided that she didn’t want to drive or take his car they were standing on the side of the road trying to flag down a cab.
“We’re never going to find one,” Sam said in a huff.
Rodney very nearly growled at her. Even if his graphs didn’t show enjoyment receding after the third date he’d probably break up with her on the premise that she was stupid. People didn’t refuse to take a car and then complain when they couldn’t get a taxi.
Before he could answer a cab pulled up in front of them, bypassing the others waiting; others who had been waiting longer then the couple. Looking over Rodney shrugged and got into the taxi, to be quickly followed by Sam. He barely had time to tell the taxi driver where to go when both his and Samantha’s phones went off.
While in the middle of an argument over dishware designs of all things Rodney failed to notice that the taxi driver was driving away from the restaurant they wished to go to and not to it. Sam, while arguing over a pedicure appointment failed to notice until after they got out of the taxi.
Shutting off her phone Sam looked around, “This isn’t where we wanted to be.”
“Hold on a moment,” Rodney said to the man on the other end of the phone. Looking around, before turning to the cabbie he said, “Where are we?”
Carson Beckett smiled, “Do I have to do draw you map?” He pulled away from the pair just as Samantha started fuming.
“The nerve of some people, this is not where we paid to be. Draw us a map... I can’t believe...”
Rodney cut her off, “The map might have been helpful. I have no idea where we are.” Then he noticed the man leaning against the wall across the street and walked over, thinking that maybe he could tell them where they were and how to get to the restaurant.
When he got close enough Rodney saw that it was the man from the market this morning. He decided that maybe he didn’t want to go to Cantrell to eat after all. There was something about the wild-haired man that made Rodney want to find out more about him. There was a pull he couldn’t quite explain and he suddenly felt like crab for lunch.
“It’s you,” he said when he was close enough to be heard.
Samantha followed behind him, “Oh goodie a little person, maybe we can get directions.”
John looked up sharply when he heard someone call out. Seeing the man from the market he quickly wiped the tears that had escaped off of his face. “Oh god, why now?” he asked, quietly.
Louder he said, “Hello how’s the bite?”
Samantha looked confused, “What bite? How do you two know each other?”
“His crab bit me this morning,” he said to Sam before focusing his attention on John. “My leg is just fine thank you, though if it should getting infected you can be sure I’ll be suing you.”
John laughed, “Of course.”
Samantha butted in before anything else could be said, “Do you know where Cantrell is?”
“Yeah, it’s two blocks that way,” John pointed up the street. It figured they wouldn’t eat here; though with the suits he should have known anyway.
Sam started to walk away but stopped a few feet away when she noticed that Rodney wasn’t following her. Turning she said, “Well, hurry up. We’ll lose our reservations if we’re late.”
Rodney definitely wanted to break up with her; even he wasn’t that rude or demanding. At least he didn’t think so. “Why don’t we just eat here?” he asked, looking at the restaurant name in the window behind John. Ancient Atlantis – Rodney liked that name, even if it seemed a little oxymoronic.
Samantha looked like she was going to argue so Rodney said, “It’s not like we’d make it to Cantrell on time for the reservation and besides I’m feeling a little like crab. Perhaps the one that bit me.”
John swallowed, “L-lunch is kind of over now...you know forever.”
“Oh, so you were lying to me then? About cooking the crab?” Before John could respond Rodney asked, “Can you cook it without any citrus at all?”
John was confused until he remembered the argument he’d overhead this morning between Rodney and Kavanagh. Rodney was deadly allergic to citrus. “Yeah, I could.”
Rodney grabbed Sam’s arm, “Then we eat here.” He had to all but drag Samantha into the restaurant.
Sighing John thought, ‘What’s one more embarrassment before we close.’ He really couldn’t cook very well.
John went to re-enter the restaurant and ended up with the door slamming into his nose for his efforts. Samantha had swung it shut on the way in. ‘Maybe two more,’ he thought.
Going to the kitchen John left Teyla to attempt to charm the new customers. Once in the back John started to freak out.
“Damn it!” he swore as soon as the doors to the kitchen swung shut.
Ronon looked up, “What?”
“He’s here.”
“Who is?” Ronon removed a pot from the stove. “You’re going to have to give me more than that. New boyfriend, old boyfriend...debt collector?”
John glared at him and pulled the basket of crabs toward him, “No, someone I met at the market this morning. This,” he held up the crab that bit Rodney and put it off to the side, “bit him on the leg.”
“So it is a new boyfriend,” Ronon said with a smirk.
“No, he has a girlfriend, even though she is totally wrong for him. No I told him I was cooking the crabs in my restaurant and now he’s here.”
Ronon had collected a pot of water for the crabs and set it on the stove while John moved over to the fridge, pulling a few things out of it. “Why would you do a thing like that Sheppard?”
“I don’t know, seemed like a good idea at the time,” John ran a hand through his hair, “Crap.”
“You’d better go see if you can find one of your dad’s recipes upstairs. Crabs in the water?” Ronon held up one of the crabs.
“Yeah I’d better,” he was already heading upstairs. He called down, “Yeah let the crabs boil.”
Ronon shook his head and stuck four of the crabs in the pot. Putting the lid on it he went to look out the port window in the kitchen door. He might as well see who it was that had John in such a twist and so quickly.
Rodney and Samantha were sitting directly in front of the kitchen. With Rodney sitting opposite the kitchen door Ronon had a pretty clear view. To him the couple looked like they were perfectly matched for each other. Both with impeccable suits and hair that was in perfect order – as if it was afraid to move out of place. Ronon shook his head and moved away from the door when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Why Sheppard kept falling for people who were either complete assholes or already taken Ronon didn’t know. He only hoped that for his friend’s sake the man in the other room would be nicer to John in the put down then others had been.
“Where’s the recipe?” Ronon asked when he saw that John had come downstairs empty handed.
John shook his head, “I couldn’t find one. I found these though,” he held up a pair of dog-tags.
“Your father’s?”
“Yeah,” John answered tucking them in his shirt before leaving the kitchen.
****
Rodney and Samantha had been sitting at the table for a couple of minutes in awkward silence. Samantha had turned down Teyla’s offer of coffee and had in fact said nothing to the woman afterwards despite Teyla’s attempts at conversation. Rodney shook his head and took a sip of the coffee; it was actually quite good.
“How did you find Ancient Atlantis?” Teyla asked Rodney.
Rodney looked up at Teyla, “It was an accident really. I met John in the market this morning. He was chasing after a crab. He looked quite ridiculous; the damn crab bit me.”
Teyla nodded, “I see.”
Sam snorted, “The stupid cabbie dropped us off out front and he,” Sam waved toward Rodney, “refused to leave and go where we actually had reservations.”
Wondering if he could get away kicking Samantha Rodney gave Teyla a small smile, “This is as good a place as any to eat.”
As he finished talking Rodney saw John come out of what Rodney assumed was the kitchen. Smiling a little nervously John came to the table, “The crab should be done in another five minutes or so. Is that what you’re both having?”
Rodney was about to answer yes when Sam butted in, “No, I’d like a simple chicken dish if you can manage.” She went on to explain to John how to make chicken pillared. John just nodded, he’d only just met her but he really didn’t like the woman. Before John could leave Sam grabbed his arm, “Oh, can you use a little lemon on the chicken-it makes it so much better?”
John saw Rodney pale a little. He couldn’t believe she could ask that. Wasn’t she supposed to be Rodney’s girlfriend or at the very least a friend? “I’m sorry but I can’t.”
“Why not?” Samantha asked getting angry.
John moved away from her, “Because once I’m made aware of a severe allergy I take measures to ensure the safety of the customer.”
John smiled at Rodney and went back to the kitchen.
Rodney glared at Samantha, “Why in the hell would you do that?”
Samantha looked confused, “Do what?”
“Ask for lemon, you know I’m allergic to citrus.”
“I wasn’t going to make you eat it.”
“Sam we’re supposed to be a couple. I wouldn’t even be able to kiss you if you ate that.”
Samantha shrugged, “I didn’t think of that. Sorry, but why would he know about your allergy? I didn’t hear you tell him.”
Rodney took a sip of his coffee, “I didn’t, he must have overheard me yelling at Kavanagh.”
****
John walked back into the kitchen shaking his head, “I hate that woman.”
Ronon looked up from the crabs he was shelling, “Who?”
“The bitch Rodney is with. You didn’t use lemon at all did you?”
Ronon shook his head, “No why? Do you want me to?”
“No!” he shook his head, “Sorry no, do use any citrus; Rodney is allergic.”
“Alright, so why do you hate her? I mean besides the fact that she is dating the man you want.”
John got a piece of chicken out the fridge and brought it over to the counter. “I don’t want him.” At Ronon’s look John folded, “Alright, maybe I do.”
Ronon snorted, “You’ve only just met the guy Sheppard and he has a girlfriend. You’re setting yourself up again.”
“You worry too much Ronon.” John started pounding the piece of chicken breast to thin it out. “I hate her because she’s rude and overbearing and doesn’t care about anyone but herself by the looks of it and takes far too much time on her looks.”
Ronon looked at John like he was losing his mind, “If you keep hitting that there’s going to be nothing left of it.”
John looked down at the chicken; it was almost mush, “Oh, will you look after her plate?” John tossed the chicken on the grill.
When Ronon nodded John switched places with him and started working on assembling the crab dish for Rodney. “You know for once in my life I’d like to cook something other than mash potatoes and chicken pieces and have it come out really good. You know, not burnt...looks good, tastes good. Something that I wouldn’t be ashamed of admitting I cooked.”
Ronon put Samantha’s finished plate on the counter by the door and looked pointedly to the plate John was just finishing, “You mean like that?”
John looked down at the dish, “Huh, now how did I do that?”
Ronon shrugged, “I don’t know but if it tastes as good as it looks and you keep it up we might be able to bring the restaurant back from the ground.”
John glared at Ronon’s back as the man brought both dishes out to the front. After Ronon came back they both focused on watching Samantha and Rodney through the windows in the doors without getting caught.
****
Rodney looked down at his plate approvingly, it looked good. Taking a bit Rodney closed his eyes; it tasted damn good. He hadn’t had crab in ages, everyone insisted on cooking it with lemon or some other form of citrus. Taking another bite he looked over to Samantha, “Sam there was something I wanted to talk to you about.”
Samantha looked up as she took a bit of her chicken, chewing she got an odd look on her face and cleared her throat before speaking, “Don’t you just feel so much closer now that our schedules are together?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about...mmh this is good, you should try this,” Rodney shook his head, “Anyway...”
Sam cut him off, “You undid the schedule didn’t you? You’re such a control freak! I can’t stand you.” Sam covered her mouth and gave a short laugh, “I don’t know why I said that.”
Rodney just took another bit of his food, letting Sam go on, “Wait yes I do,” she paused to take another bit of food herself, “I’m rude and I don’t care about you.”
Rodney looked startled, “Sam what’s wrong with you?”
Samantha smiled and got up, “Nothing is. I’m perfect. I mean look at my hair, every strand in place and my suit – pressed and with matching shoes.” Picking up the plates sitting on a cabinet she laughed, “These don’t even match.”
****
“What the hell is she doing?” John asked when he saw Samantha get up from the table and pull at her hair and clothes.
“I don’t know,” Ronon said.
“She must be on something,” John shook his head.
“I think it’s your food Sheppard.”
John was about to say something in retort when Samantha started throwing the plates she had picked up.
He and Ronon rushed out of the kitchen.
****
Rodney had a bad feeling when Samantha picked up the plates. When she threw one in his direction he ducked, narrowly missing being hit in the head, “What the hell are you doing?”
Samantha laughed again, still throwing the dishes. When everything in her hands was gone Samantha went back to the table and picked up her jacket. Throwing some potatoes at Rodney she left the restaurant, “See ya.”
Wiping potatoes off of his tie Rodney looked up as John and Ronon came out of the kitchen. “Is everyone ok?” John asked.
Evan, Elizabeth, Teyla and Woolsey nodded. Rodney shook his head and stood up, “I’m sorry, I have no idea what came over her. She’s not usually like that.”
John nodded absently looking at the mess, “Don’t worry about it; as long as no one was hurt.”
“I’ll replace everything she broke. Just send me the bill, John,” Rodney said, pulling out a card.
Taking the card John nodded, “Will do.”
Rodney paid for the meal as Ronon and John began to clean up the floor. When John looked up from picking up the larger pieces Rodney was gone.
****
Rodney made his way back to the department store in silence. He still wasn’t quite sure what had happened. Sure he’d had girlfriends break up with him before but they hadn’t acted like that. He didn’t know what had gotten into Samantha but it sure as hell scared him - mostly because he wasn’t in the know.
Rodney continued to ponder and walk around the store aimlessly until Radek found him. “You have a meeting soon.”
Rodney looked distracted, “What? Oh right, yeah I’ll be there.”
“Perhaps you should change your tie first,” Radek stated, noticing the potato adorning Rodney’s tie.
Picking up his tie and looking at it Rodney frowned, “Huh, I didn’t notice that.”
“Good meal?”
“It was fantastic.”
“Did you eat any of it?” Radek asked with a raised eyebrow.
Holding out his tie Rodney said, “This isn’t mine. It’s Sam’s.”
“She did not take the break up so well?”
Rodney snorted, “Not even close. She completely freaked out. It was really bizarre. She went on and on about things and broke most of the dishes in Ancient Atlantis.”
“What is Ancient Atlantis? I thought you were going to Cantrell,” Radek started herding Rodney toward his office.
“That was another weird thing. Today has just been the most bizarre day ever. First I get bit by a crab in the market, and then the taxi driver leaves us in front of the restaurant of the man whose crab bit me. The food was amazing though, he actually managed to make a crab dish without having to resort to citrus and it still tasted good.”
Radek noticed the smile on Rodney’s face when he started talking about the restaurant and the chef. He didn’t say anything about it, “Very glad but you need to get ready for meeting.”
“Yes, yes alright,” Rodney let himself get herded into his office.
****
Ronon looked around the restaurant and nodded to himself. As far as he could tell he’d finally gotten all of the debris off the floor and out of the bench cushions. Moving into the kitchen he dumped everything in the garbage and looked around for John.
“Sheppard!”
“I’m upstairs,” came a disembodied voice.
Going upstairs Ronon found John digging through his closet. “Leave the planes alone,” John said, when he heard Ronon come up.
Ronon grabbed one of the model planes anyway and started playing around with it, “What are you doing?”
John stuck his head out of the closet, “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m looking for clothes.”
“Yeah but why? What’s wrong with what you’re wearing?”
“Nothing... I just...what about this one?” John held up a brown shirt.
Ronon shook his head, “No, and what for?”
“Plate shopping. This one?” John held up a black button up shirt.
“That one’s fine. Why are you going shopping for plates?”
“Rodney offered to replace the ones his girlfriend broke, only fair to take him up on the offer,” John muttered something as he changed his shirt, leaving him in the black shirt and a pair of black jeans.
Ronon shook his head and put the plane down, “You’re starting to act like a woman.”
John glared at him, “I am not, now how in the hell do I find out if he might be even the tiniest bit bi?”
Ronon smirked, “If you have to ask,” and left the room.
John glared at him once again and called out, “That’s not helpful!”
Shaking his head John tried to get a grip on himself. Ronon was right he was acting like a girl. Grabbing his backpack John left.
****
Rodney was walking around the ground floor of the department store. He had a couple of minutes before the meeting. He figured he might as well check up on things down here.
Walking over to Miko he looked over the display she was doing. Nodding he said, “It’s a little off center but it doesn’t look too bad.”
Miko smiled, “Thank you Mr. McKay.”
Seeing Radek a floor above Rodney excused him-self and walked away. Radek handed Rodney a file as soon as Rodney got up the stairs, “You need to read this and get to the meeting. It’s going to be starting any moment now.”
“Alright, fill me in on stuff before it starts.”
Down on the main floor John walked into the store. Looking around he held in a whistle. The place was impressive... and completely out of his pay range.
Walking over to Miko he smiled, “I’m looking for Rodney McKay.”
Miko nodded and looked around, “He was just...oh he’s up there,” she pointed toward the second floor where John could see Rodney talking to someone.
Thanking her John moved to make his way up to where Rodney was. Not watching where he was going John ended up walking into the corner of the display Miko had just finished putting together. Everything came crashing down.
John cringed, “I’m sorry.” Trying to help John crouched down and started picking up some of the perfume bottles; grabbing too many he ended up dropping them again.
Miko grabbed his hands before he could damage any of the bottles, “It’s alright, don’t worry about it.”
Standing up John tried to fight the blush that he could feel creeping across his face.
Rodney, who had come down after hearing the racket shook his head, “Are you quite through trying to demolish the store?”
John turned around sheepishly, “I’m sorry.”
Turning to Miko, Rodney said, “Get someone to help you and just redo the display.”
Grabbing John’s arm Rodney led him away from the perfumes, stopping when they were near the elevators, “Just so you can’t break anything else,” he said with a smile.
“Sorry,” John said again.
“It’s fine. You shop here often?”
“No, never...”
“Oh, what brings you here today then?” Rodney asked and he saw Radek in the background motioning about the meeting. Waving him off Rodney turned his attention completely to John. Throwing his hands in the air in defeat Radek mumbled and went back to the office.
“Plates...you said you’d replace what was broken...you did mean that right?” John was suddenly feeling more nervous then he really should be.
Rodney frowned, “Right, yes...no one was hurt earlier were they?”
“No.”
With a firm nod of his head Rodney said, “Good. Alright let’s go to the fourth floor. You can pick out the plates you want.” Rodney hit the button for the elevator.
Suddenly John remembered what he made earlier while Ronon was cleaning the restaurant. Pulling his backpack off his shoulders John reached inside pulling a small box out just as the elevator arrived. Stepping into it he waited until Rodney had pressed the button before handing over the box.
“These are for you. You left before dessert earlier. That’s the best part of the meal, you can’t miss that,” John said with a smile.
Rodney opened the box and found a couple small éclairs. Taking a bite out of one Rodney had to stifle a groan, “Hmmm, that’s really good.”
“Yeah?” Rodney didn’t reply as he ate the rest of the éclairs in the box but John heard a groan Rodney didn’t quite keep in.
Laughing John said, “Thanks.”
Choosing some new plates didn’t take very long and before John knew it they were heading back to the elevator. Looking at the paper airplane Rodney had subconsciously made the bill into John shook his head, “Nice plane.”
Rodney looked at the plane, “Yeah, I like the physics of them.”
John nodded, “Does it fly?”
“Probably but not where I want it to,” Rodney let the plane loose, aiming for an empty bucket. Sure enough the plane ended up doing an odd loop and landed in some poor customer’s hair. Cringing Rodney laughed and dragged John into the elevator before the woman could see where the plane came from. What he forgot was that the plane was made out of a bill with his name on it.
In the elevator Rodney hit the button that would take them to the mostly finished restaurant, “You should appreciate this,” he said to John.
John followed silently as Rodney led him to the kitchen of the restaurant. Looking around John was amazed; he would love to work in a kitchen like this. Seeing Kavanagh they left the kitchen area, Rodney mostly because he didn’t want to deal with the man at the moment.
“This is what it’s going to look like,” Rodney said when they entered the almost finished seating area, showing John the model.
John looked it over, “Trippy. I like it.”
As Rodney turned away from the model he heard soft music fill the air. Unable to resist he pulled John into a slow dance. John hearing the music as well followed letting the feeling wash over him.
Moments later the owner, Jack O’Neill walked into the restaurant. He laughed as he saw Rodney dancing to no music, even though he was surprised to see that it was with another man. “Excuse me,” he said, trying to get Rodney’s attention.
Smiling at the happy look on Rodney’s face Jack tapped the man on the shoulder. Rodney and John jumped apart, both blushing.
“Sorry,” John mumbled, not really liking how much he’d said that word today.
Jack shrugged his shoulder, “Quite alright, though I need to borrow Rodney.”
John nodded and grabbed his backpack off the floor where he’d dropped it, “I should go.” He all but bolted out of the room.
Rodney called out after him, “I’ll call you.”
****
The next couple of days were kind of hectic for both of them. Rodney had a lot of meetings to attend to and had to oversee the finalizing of the restaurant and the menu. Ancient Atlantis had become the hit of the town again and John was going crazy trying to keep up.
Smiling as he worked John thought about dancing with Rodney. If it was anything to go by he might have a chance. Ronon of course ruined his good mood by coming back into the kitchen.
Holding a bunch of orders Ronon said, “I think we’re going to need to hire another waitress; Teyla can’t keep up with everyone anymore.”
John saw the papers Ronon was holding and panicked, “I can’t do those all at once!”
Ronon laid them out, “Yes you can. I’ll help.”
The pair worked in silence getting all of the orders finished. As the last one, for now, went out the door John started muttering about Rodney, “He said he was going to call. Was he brushing me off....” it continued on for several minutes.
Ronon sighed and grabbed the phone. John didn’t even notice until he heard Ronon speaking, “I’d like the number for the Jackson-O’Neill department store.”
“What are you doing?” John hissed at Ronon, trying to grab the phone but because Ronon was taller the phone was easily held out of his reach.
“Stopping the moping,” Ronon said with a smug look on his face.
****
Rodney was in his office hiding from everyone. He wanted a break from the people; there was too much going on and he had barely had a moment to himself for days. Radek came in carrying two cups of coffee.
Giving one to Rodney, Radek sat down, “There is an interesting rumour going around the store.”
Rodney looked up, “And what would that be?” Though he already had an idea as to what it could be.
“That you were caught dancing to no music at all by the boss. Dancing with a wild-haired man,” Radek took a sip of his coffee, “I’m trying to squash it of course.”
Rodney snorted, drinking his own coffee, “If only it were a rumour. I was dancing with him; I could have sworn I heard music though. It was weird I only met him that morning and....there’s just something ....” Rodney trailed off starting to think about what it was that made John so irresistible.
Radek laughed, “Sounds like love...it can sneak up on you when you’re least expecting it. What’s the mysterious man’s name?”
Rodney glared at Radek; he was not falling in love, especially after only one day. Except that if he let himself dwell on it he knew that wasn’t true. “John.....”
The phone beeped and a voice said over the line, “John Sheppard is on line one for you Rodney.”
Smiling Radek said, “Freaky... answer it.”
Rodney hit the line one button and picked up the phone, “Hello.”
“Hi,” John’s voice filtered through the line sounding very nervous, “I was just wondering if you wanted, if you’re not busy that is, to come to dinner tonight.”
“Let me look at my schedule,” Rodney tapped the phone against the table while pretending to look at his schedule. Radek actually did. “Sorry I can’t,” he said after a moment, “I’ve got a meeting.”
John sounded defeated, “Oh, well if you get done early.”
“I’ll see if I can make it,” Rodney said, hanging up the phone after goodbyes were exchanged.
“Why did you do that?” Radek asked, “You have no meeting and according to the rumour you were happy when dancing.” Rodney didn’t answer.
****
John hung up the phone and glared at Ronon, “Thanks a lot,” he said dryly before going back to work. The night was almost over thankfully.
Later when everything was cleaned John and Ronon sat alone in the dining area. Resting his head on the table John said, “We must have done over a hundred dinners tonight.”
Ronon nodded, “Whatever is going on with you is a good thing. We should celebrate.”
John looked up at Ronon, “I think you’re on your own tonight pal.”
“I don’t think he’s coming John,” Ronon said getting up from the table.
John glared at him, “I’m not waiting.”
Ronon shook his head and left the restaurant. A couple of minutes later John sighed and followed, locking the door behind him.
As he turned to leave he saw Rodney standing in front of the window, “Hi.”
“Hi, I didn’t think you were coming,” John said as he pocketed the keys.
“The meeting took forever, I was sure I was going to miss you,” Rodney said moving closer.
John nodded, “Only got rid of the last customers a little while ago. They just refused to leave. I had to use Ronon as a bouncer.”
They laughed quietly and talked for a few minutes before deciding that while it was too late to eat dinner it was never too late for desert. John opened the restaurant up again and led Rodney into the back.
As he started to make some of the left over desert from earlier Rodney made a confession, “I uh, lied about the meeting. There wasn’t one...I just...”
John stirred the contents of the pot and laughed, “That’s okay I lied about the customers. They all left at eleven. I didn’t have to use Ronon as a bouncer.”
“So we’re both liars,” Rodney said, amused.
“It would seem so,” John said, pouring the sauce over re-warmed peaches he had cooked earlier.
When John turned his head Rodney laughed. With a blank look John said, “What?”
Rodney shook his head and moved to stand in front of John, “You’ve got stuff on your cheek. Trying to figure out how you managed that.” He wiped it off with his thumb at the same time as John cut into one of the peaches.
Fog filtered out of the peach smelling like vanilla and peach but neither man noticed. Rodney leaned in and kissed John. The kiss got deeper as the fog continued to thicken.
****
The next day Rodney decided that using the vanilla blossom plants in the restaurant was a much better idea then the roses they were going to use. Not even finding out that Kavanagh was threatening to quit because the airline lost his knives brought Rodney out of the happy mode he was in. Rodney just told Miko to get Kavanagh whatever knives he wanted in replacement.
While talking to the business people about the restaurant Rodney smelled something very familiar and after telling the people that he would talk to them later he went in search of it.
“Excuse me,” Rodney said to an elderly couple.
“Yes?”
“Do you have any outside food on you?”
When they pulled out a dessert container from Ancient Atlantis Rodney said, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to take that; new policy no outside food allowed.”
Grabbing the box Rodney went to his office, where Radek was waiting with papers he needed to sign.
“Not now,” he said to Radek. Walking around mumbling Rodney freaked out, “I can’t believe I just did that. What the hell was I thinking? What came over me?”
Radek looked on in confusion, “Rodney, what has happened? What is in your hand?”
Rodney looked at Radek in shock, “What just happened? I just robbed an elderly couple, over pastries!” he held out the box to Radek.
Radek opened the box; seeing no need to waste the pastries Radek ate one of the éclairs, “These are amazing.”
“Yeah but not enough to rob someone over,” Rodney said. As an afterthought he grabbed the box from Radek, “Give me those. I stole them, I’m eating them.”
After he was done Rodney said, “He’s done something to me. That’s it. I mean I had like one boyfriend years ago, never had any interest in getting another. He shows up and I’m ready to get down on my knees. Something in the food; got to be, never would have...”
Radek shook his head, “You have issues Rodney.”
“No kidding,” Rodney said with panic on the edge of his voice. “I’ve got to break it off with him. I’ll go tonight and tell him it’s over.”
Radek looked thoughtful, “Perhaps you should just call.”
****
Later that evening Rodney entered Ancient Atlantis to find that it was packed. Teyla, when she had a spare moment brought him into the kitchen.
“John, Rodney would like to talk to you.”
John looked up from the dishes he was finishing, “I’m completely swamped here. Can it wait?”
Rodney nodded, “Yeah.”
John smiled, “Great.”
Teyla grabbed some of the plates ready to go out and saw that there was too many. Looking to Rodney she gave him an appraising look. Apparently liking what she saw Teyla handed him a couple of the plates, “Please hold these for a moment.”
Rodney nodded silently and ended up helping Teyla cart plates around for the rest of the dinner service. It was much later when he and John finally got to sit down and talk. Everything had been cleaned up and Teyla and Ronon had taken their leave.
John had prepared some food for the two of them and they sat down. It was eaten in silence until Rodney said, “You cook very well.”
John snorted, “I didn’t until last week.”
Rodney saw the crab sitting on the counter, partially covered by lettuce, “I thought you cooked that thing.”
John looked over to the crab, “Not that one. Couldn’t bring myself to do it, there’s something about it.”
“It bit me,” Rodney said.
“How do you know it’s the same crab?”
“There’s something about it,” Rodney said, dryly.
John laughed, “What did you want to talk about?”
Rodney sighed, he was starting to think that maybe he didn’t want to break it off after all, “I just wanted to make sure I’m not going insane.”
John looked confused, but then it dawned on him, “Oh you mean the music no one else heard, the mysterious fog and the crab that seems just a little too aware?”
Rodney nodded, “Yeah.”
“You’re going completely insane, but don’t worry so am I.”
Rodney smacked him lightly on the shoulder, “That wasn’t funny.”
John smiled and pulled Rodney into a kiss, “Yes it was.”
Instead of replying Rodney pulled John into another kiss. They continued kissing until Rodney felt like he walked into a wall. That was strange he didn’t remember moving. Breaking off the kiss Rodney saw that he was on the ceiling.
“Oh my god, what the fuck is going on? What did you do?” Rodney began to freak out.
“I didn’t do anything,” John was trying to remain calm. As he took a deep breath he floated to the ground.
“Get me down!” Rodney demanded. “Are you a witch or something?”
John looked hurt before he covered it up, “I don’t know how to get you down and I am not a witch thank you very much.”
Rodney whimpered, “I’m sorry, please just get me down.”
“What the hell do you want me to say? Bibbity Bobbity Boo?”
Looking at him like was completely deranged Rodney said “What the fuck do you....” he didn’t get to finish. It was at that moment Rodney fell to the ground.
Getting up he scrambled away from John. “Just...just stay away from me. That didn’t happen; that’s impossible...” Rodney ran out of the restaurant.
John watched him go, trying to figure out what happened himself.
****
The next morning John was already sitting at one of the tables when Ronon came in to the restaurant. Going to the kitchen Ronon stashed some of the fresh produce he brought and took the newspapers back with him.
When he sat down John said, “Hey, we’ve got to talk.”
“About the mess you left in the kitchen?” Ronon asked, referring to the pots and food that had been knocked over in the chaos of the night before.
“No, Rodney...he-he left last night.”
Ronon saw the deserted, fallen look on John’s face, “Sorry.”
“I don’t know what happened. We were kissing and then we were on the ceiling.”
“Did you hit your head?”
“No, “I’m being serious.”
Ronon sighed; weird things always seemed to happen around John, “Maybe you should try talking to him.”
“Maybe, I do need to give him back this,” John held up Rodney’s wallet, “and no, I did not steal it, it fell out.”
****
Radek opened Rodney’s office door hoping to find Rodney. Rodney jumped out of his seat and stared at Radek, “What?”
“Jack is looking for you,” Radek came all the way into the office, “It is very hot in here. I’ll open a window.”
Radek had almost made it to the window before Rodney said, “No! He could get in.”
Radek look back at Rodney, taking in his appearance, “You are drunk.”
Rodney glared at him, “No I am not. I went to break it off with John and ended up floating on the ceiling after kissing him.”
Radek smiled, “You love him; you should enjoy it before he comes to his senses.”
Rodney didn’t answer. John was standing just inside the doors to the office. When John took a step toward Rodney, he stepped back looking wary.
John sighed, “I’m just returning this to you,” he held out Rodney’s wallet, “it must have fallen out of your pocket last night.”
Rodney gave a hysterical laugh, “While I was pinned to your ceiling you mean.”
“I said I was sorry.”
Radek moved over to John offering his hand, “You must be John.” After John shook his hand, “I shall leave.”
“No!” came from Rodney. Radek shook his head and sat down.
John looked at Rodney with a sad look his face, “Look I’m sorry about last night, I have no idea what the hell happened but I’m not going to apologize about anything else. I haven’t felt like this in a long time.”
Rodney’s voice was quiet when he replied, “You scare the hell out of me John.”
A knife suddenly sailed through the air, landing in the wall beside Rodney’s head.
John ducked, “More than that?”
Looking toward the door Rodney said, “Maybe not.”
Kavanagh was standing in the doorway, “Those knives are a disgrace. I will not work without my own.”
Rodney called out desperately as Kavanagh stormed out, “Can’t we work something out?”
Jack O’Neill entered the office looking angry. Rodney let out a groan; it figured the boss would be around to see him fail spectacularly. “Kavanagh just said he quit. What have you done? We can’t open this restaurant without him.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Rodney glared, “The asshole refuses to work without his knives. I can’t get him his knives, the airline lost them.”
“What are we going to do without Kavanagh? People are expecting to be fed an incredible meal by a four star chef.” Turning to John he said, “Who are you?”
Radek moved to stand next to John, “He is the one who made the éclairs.” Radek was referring to the éclairs he had gotten from Ancient Atlantis to try and cheer Jack up with Daniel being gone for so long.
“Oh,” Jack smiled. “McKay you are a genius. Those were awesome. Can’t say I’m sorry to see that asshole Kavanagh go.”
John blinked, “Whoa, what’s going on here? I’m not cooking for him.”
Jack simply asked, “Can you do it?”
John and Radek both said, “Yes.”
Rodney emphatically said, “No.”
After several minutes of arguing Rodney lost and John was being shown to the kitchen.
****
O’Neill’s was packed for opening night; John looked out to the crowd and panicked. Going back into the kitchen John said, “I can’t do this.”
Ronon shook his head, “Sure you can, and you’ve been doing it at Ancient Atlantis. Here isn’t any different.”
John sighed and rubbed his neck. It was then he realized that he’d forgotten something important, “I left my dad’s dog tags at home. I need those. Things started changing for the better when I found them.”
Ronon put his hands on John’s shoulders and gave him a shake, “Sheppard don’t make me hit you. We’ve got to do this. We can’t back out and you can do it. Things didn’t change because of the dog tags; they changed because you wanted them too.”
John took a deep breath, “Okay.”
After that things seemed to be running smoothly. John took control of the kitchen with moderate ease. When he found out Kavanagh took some of the ingredients John needed he had a brief moment of panic but managed to create some new dishes for the menu.
Things seemed to be going well.
****
Rodney and Jack had been moving around the room all evening talking to the guests and sweet talking the reviewers. So far it seemed like the evening was a complete success but the food hadn’t been served yet.
Rodney was also having a hard time staying focused on the restaurant. He kept thinking about John. About the things he had done. How he had refused Sam lemon because he knew Rodney was allergic. How he seemed to be able to make him laugh without much thought. Rodney sighed; he seemed to have fallen deeply in love without even realizing it.
Looking around Rodney realized that the first course had been served and everyone was crying. Something seemed to make sense then; everything strange was happening around the food. It was as if emotions were directly connected to it- of course that was impossible.
Panic was only staved off when Rodney realized that everyone was enjoying the food and no one seemed to notice that they were crying. Letting out a deep breath Rodney thought that maybe, just maybe they would be able to get through this.
****
Teyla saw what was happening and went back to the kitchen, “John you should see what is happening out there.”
Thinking the worst John ran out to the dining area. When he saw that everyone was crying he started to hyperventilate, “Oh shit...I’ve...what have I done? He’s going to hate me.”
Teyla tried to calm him down, “John you need to relax. I’ve had the food. It’s amazing and there is nothing wrong with crying every now and then.”
“I have to stop the rest of the food from going out,” John said desperately.
Teyla put a hand on his arm, “No you don’t. John this night will be unforgettable and I mean that in a good way.”
When John was calm enough he went back to finish the few things that needed to be done. After the last dish was sent out he said, “Do you think he’s just eating...too busy to come back here with everything?” John didn’t let Ronon answer, “Who am I kidding...he’s not coming period. I screwed up again.”
John left just as desert was brought out to the party. He missed the fog that came pouring out of the peaches-the same dish he had cooked on one of the strange nights with Rodney.
He also missed Rodney coming to look for him.
****
Rodney had gone back to his office after failing to find John. Looking out the window Rodney saw John waiting for the cab that was pulling up. Looking to his paper airplanes Rodney got an idea. Grabbing one he prayed and threw it out the window.
He watched as it landed in the cab. Smiling he waited long enough to see John get out before heading to the elevators.
****
The cab John had called pulled up moments after he got outside. Getting in he told the driver where he wanted to go. As the cab pulled away John opened the window. When the cab stopped for the red light a paper airplane landed in his lap.
Looking at it he smiled and paid the driver for the few dollars on the meter before getting out and running back to the store.
Entering the first elevator that he found John smiled at the suit sitting there on a mannequin. Looking at the note John stopped off at the washroom.
****
Rodney shuffled on his feet, John should have been here by now...if he was going to show up that is.
Rodney was about to give up when he saw John standing in the crowd wearing the black on black suit Rodney had left in the elevator.
“Sorry, had to stop for shoes. My runners didn’t really go with this,” John said with a smile.
Rodney laughed, “I’m sorry about everything; just kind of freaked.”
John nodded. Rodney asked, “Think I could have a second chance?”
“You might need a third or fourth.”
“Hey,” Rodney said indignantly.
John smiled, “But I’ll give them to you.”
Rodney kissed John and they joined the others dancing.
This time when they floated off the ground Rodney didn’t freak out; in fact he hardly noticed. He was too involved in getting reacquainted with John’s lips. The couple kissed passionately as they danced.
The End