"Dealing with men" by alternate0ego

[anuna-81.livejournal.com]

Subject: "Dealing with men" by alternate0ego (R)

Rec category: John/Elizabeth
Pairing: John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir
Rating: mild R
Category: het, romance, humor
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: alternate0ego
Author's website: N/A
Link: Dealing with men

Why this must be read: what I love about this fic is how the author addresses the vulnerable and not always confident and calm side of Elizabeth Weir. alternate0ego guides us through Elizabeth's day from hell,exposing Elizabeth's weak spots without overdoing it. Author's character voices are spot on, her humor is great and her Elizabeth is realistic, with both good sides and human flaws. There are the misbehaving men of Atlantis and John, the original trouble maker. Finally, there is a sweet ending to enjoy.

 

She goes back to her office and immerses herself in paperwork, consoling herself with the idea that her day has already reached an all-time low; so it can't possibly get worse. Unsurprisingly, that sort of thinking doesn't actually make her feel any better – especially when her mind drifts back to last night, remembering the way John held her, as if she was made to fit in his arms. Her entire body aches at the memory, making her long for that same comfort now.

But dinner comes and goes, and John's as absent as ever. Because she knows that Carson will have a fit if she doesn't, Elizabeth goes to the mess hall to eat. She stays there for an hour, but only manages a few spoonfuls of whatever alien soup they're serving (which tastes of carrots, eggplant, and ketchup, all mixed together – yummy). The rest of the time she plays with her food and looses a few solitaire games on her PC tablet.

She's about to leave when Caldwell approaches. “Is this seat taken?” he asks.

“No, go ahead,” Elizabeth says, glancing up from her barely touched food.

He glances at her plate and says, “I assume the food isn't that good.”

She makes a face. “It's not bad, just... not exactly to my taste,” she says, pushing the tray to the side.

“Tactful as always,” Caldwell replies.

“Hmm.” She gives Caldwell a searching glance. “But I'm sure you didn't come here to inquire upon food quality.”

“No, actually,” Caldwell admits. He levels a gaze at her, beginning abruptly, “There's been rumors. About you and Colonel Sheppard.”

Elizabeth raises a single eyebrow and pretends her heart didn't skip a beat. “Colonel, Atlantis is a small, isolated community. There are always rumors. As for whether they are true or not – well, let's just say that a bit of gossip provides an excellent source of distraction in a galaxy where diversions are hard to come by.”

“Perhaps. But the rumors in question have reached all the way to the Milky Way. And to the ears of certain people in the SGC.”

“You're saying the IOA sent you.”

“No. Nothing official has been done yet.”

“So you've taken it upon yourself to investigate.”

He frowns and leans forward. “I'm warning you, Elizabeth. It won't be long before the IOA launches an inquiry. Whatever it is between you and Sheppard -”

“We're friends,” she cut in firmly. “Friends and colleagues. Now I'm sorry to be wasting your time with this issue, but that's all there is to it. I thank you for your concern.” Elizabeth stood. “Good night, Colonel.” She doesn't bother waiting for a reply, striding out of the mess hall without a backward glance.