![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Series/Title: Friends and Lovers: One Night Stand
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chaps1870
Rating: PG13 for now.
Pairing: Rodney/Carson/John
Summary: Friends first.
Disclaimer: No infringement intended, only entertainment.
A/N The first story in the 40baisers challenge. I hope to use each theme in the ongoing series, but still make each story kind of self contained.
John had been on Earth for a week now and was itching to get off base. Being cooped up in the mountain with nothing but work was not how he wanted to spend his precious Earth vacation. When he finally finished all the debriefings and reports and meetings he ditched the uniform and dressed in a pair of jeans that actually fit, his tightest black T under his leather jacket and was ready to leave.
“Major?”
Whirling around, John came face to face with McKay and corrected the slight, “Colonel”
“What?” Rodney frowned in confusion
“It’s Colonel,” John said with a smug smile.
McKay ignored it, his hands waving, “Yes, yes, Colonel. Leave it to the military to make things difficult. It would be like me changing my name to Bill or something equally inane. What was wrong with Major?”
Scrunching his face, John retorted, “My name isn’t Major.”
“Oh right, it’s Colonel,” said Rodney, raising a brow. He emphasized, “So Colonel…” McKay paused, looking Sheppard up and down and realized he was dressed up. “Hey, are you leaving the mountain?”
“Yes. I’m going out for the night. Unlike you, I have to sleep here and staring at the same gray walls day after day is driving me crazy.”
Rodney huffed, “Don’t blame me. I offered to let you sleep at my place.”
“You already invited Carson. I didn’t want to overcrowd you.”
“Oh please, it’s not like any of us spend much time off the mountain. My apartment has plenty of room.”
Anxious to be leaving, now that he was dressed and ready to go, Sheppard sighed, “Did you actually have a reason for stopping me?”
“Right. I thought you might want to join me and Carson for supper at O’Malley’s. I asked Elizabeth but she said something about Simon,” said Rodney, his hands gestured to John’s clothes as he added, “I didn’t realize you were going out catting for the evening.” Rodney laughed and started walking the other way, “Have fun. I’m sure the women will be throwing themselves at your feet.”
“Fuck you, Rodney.” McKay took a perverse pleasure in teasing him about women and how they seemed to be drawn to him like a magnet. John called out to McKay’s retreating back, “You’re just jealous.”
Rodney waved him off without turning around and John found himself smiling despite himself. He found he’d missed interacting with McKay everyday. Being on Earth had limited their daily contact and it was just another thing that made him wish he was back home, back in Atlantis. Earth was nice and he missed a lot of what it had to offer, but Atlantis had become his home.
Speaking of Earth and what it had to offer, his steps quickened as he left the base in search of better offerings. He could have taken a base car complete with driver but that wouldn’t have played into his desire for anonymity so he’d arranged to rent a car for his short stay on Earth. It was easier than explaining himself and the rental place had a sweet Jag that suited him perfectly.
The Jag was parked in the lot per his request and he slipped into the driver’s seat, the feel of the car beneath him strange but exhilarating and after a mile or two of driving he was back to feeling normal. It wasn’t a puddlejumper but it had its own advantages.
Driving through town was an adventure in itself and John’ realized he hadn’t missed the traffic or the noise or any of it for that matter. Checking the street signs, he found what he was looking for and only found a place to park after cruising the lot a couple times. Even then it was about as far from the entrance as it could be and still be in the lot.
A quick check in the mirror and he exited the Jag, locked it up and headed into the club. He’d only been here once before, shortly before leaving for Atlantis and hoped to have as good of luck as last time. It wasn’t the best solution and not even a bright one, but damn near a year in the Pegasus Galaxy had made him desperate.
Two hours later, he left the club with a definite bounce in his step and feeling much better. He’d gotten lucky, very lucky and he had several numbers in his pocket that would take care of the remainder of his stay on Earth.
In hindsight, he should have been paying more attention to where he was going, rather than where he’d been. Almost to his car that was now practically hidden by the big SUV parked next to it he never saw them coming. It was quick and well executed, almost with military precision.
John thought oh fuck as two of them pinned him to the SUV while a third landed some nice blows to his stomach. Even tensing in anticipation didn’t stop the pain that exploded in his gut. He was kind of drifting after that, the words faggot and queer still making it into his consciousness as the three men continued their assault. After a couple more hits and a particularly nasty one to the side of his head, John let the darkness take the pain away.
********
Rodney and Carson were finishing dinner at O’Malley’s when Rodney’s cell rang. He hated leaving it on when he went to a restaurant but the SGC had provided the phones with the explicit instructions they not be shut off. Something about needing to be able to get a hold of them at all times. Rodney knew the drill. “McKay.”
The room was loud and Rodney had to put a finger in his other ear so he could hear. “What?”
“Colonel…John,” his voice was getting louder and more anxious. Carson had stopped eating and was now watching and listening to Rodney intently.
“Where are you?” The concern in Rodney’s voice was notable and he motioned to Carson that they had to go. Carson pulled out his wallet, threw enough money on the table to cover dinner and the tip and followed after Rodney, who was still talking on the phone. “Yeah, I know where it is.”
Rodney was out the door and on the way to his car as he fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Carson. Covering the phone, he spoke to Carson over the top of the car, “Club Q. Somebody beat him up.”
Carson’s eyes went wide and he mouthed, “Club Q?” Out loud he asked, “Ask how bad he’s hurt.”
Shrugging, Rodney’s attention was back on the phone, and got in the car. “How bad are you hurt?” Rodney relayed information to Dr. Beckett, “Stomach, ribs, blurry vision.”
Rodney was slammed back in his seat as Carson floored it. “Jesus Carson, are you trying to give me whiplash.” He sneered into the phone, “Oh yeah, Colonel laugh it up. Only you would find the strength to mock me with your last breath.” Realizing what he’d said Rodney winced, “Sorry. How you doing? Hang in there.” He shot a glare at Carson as he added, “The way Carson is driving we’ll be there in no time.”
“Yes, well, who knew he had it in him,” quipped Rodney, flashing Carson a smile. “Colonel? Hey…wake up! JOHN! Damn it!” Dropping the phone in his lap, Rodney leaned forward, checking out street signs. After several blocks, he pointed frantically to the right, “There, there, that’s the turn.”
Carson barely slowed as he made the turn, making Rodney grab for the dash. “What! Did you do a rotation as an ambulance driver or what?”
“Shut up, Rodney. I’m trying to get us there.” He nodded towards the phone in Rodney’s phone, “Keep trying to talk to him.”
Looking at the phone, Rodney snapped, “I think he passed out.”
“Rodney!” barked Carson, flashing him an evil glare while still trying to drive.
“Fine,” huffed Rodney, returning the phone to his ear. “Colonel…Sheppard… JOHN. Pick up the damn phone and talk to me you brainless flyboy piece of shit!” Rodney was sweating and fidgeting nervously and there was no mistaking his concern regardless of what his words said. He continued to babble nervously into the phone, “You know you fucked up my evening, don’t you. I was on my way to an evening full of sex when you had to do something stupid. What the fuck were you thinking? Of all the places you could go you had to pick Club Q. Do you even know what kind of club it is or did your chick magnet go haywire, cause I can guarantee you won’t find what you’re looking for there.”
Rodney stilled and his finger went back in his ear, “Did you tell me to shut up?”
“Yes well, it woke you up didn’t it?” Carson poked him and pointed outside. Looking up, Rodney realized where they were. “Okay…we’re here. Where are you?”
Rolling his eyes, Rodney sighed, “A Jag. Of course, why didn’t I know that? You are nothing if not predictable, Colonel.” Pointing to the Northeast, Rodney told Carson, “Over there. Far end of the lot. A black Jag.”
Carson nodded and only slowed down as he neared the spot in question. As soon as Rodney spotted the Jag he was out of the car before Carson even had a chance to stop. “RODNEY! Are ya tryin’ to kill yourself. One of you at a time is enough.” Throwing the car in park, he rushed around the car to join McKay as he knelt beside John, who was leaning against the SUV looking worse for wear.
Looking up, John tried to smile, “Rodney. Carson. Thanks for coming.”
Carson did a quick check for injuries. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a penlight and shined it in Sheppard’s eyes. “Rodney, I think you should call an ambulance. He may have a concussion,”
Rodney stared at him in disbelief, “Don’t tell me you carry one of those with you?”
“No, Rodney. I snapped my fingers and it magically appeared.” Carson continued to exam John, but was interrupted when the Colonel grabbed his shirt in a tight fist.
“No ambulance, no hospital,” Sheppard pleaded, “Please.”
Carson was in full doctor mode. “You’re hurt, Colonel. I need to get x-rays. See if there is internal damage.”
“Nothing’s broke, just sore. Please Carson. I can’t go to the hospital.”
About to argue, Carson was cut off by Rodney who was hovering nervously, his eyes scanning the parking lot. “He’s right, Carson. He can’t go to the hospital and he can’t go back to the base.”
“What are you talking about, man? He’s hurt!”
Rodney was practically bouncing, “Damn it Carson, look around. Look where we are. Do you really think they are gonna understand why an Air Force officer is at a GAY club?”
“But he’s injured. He needs to be checked out. I can only do so much.”
Returning to Sheppard’s side, Rodney gently slipped an arm around his back. John moaned at the contact and his head lolled against Rodney’s shoulder. Rodney took a deep breath and tried to reason with the doctor, “Fine. You can do it at my place. If he gets any worse we can worry about it there. Now help me get him into the car before we make a bigger scene than we already have.”
“I need to bandage his head, Rodney. He’s bleeding,” insisted Carson.
“Do it in the car!” hissed Rodney, losing his patience with the doctor. People were mingling in the parking lot, looking their way and the longer they stayed the more likely they were to draw unwanted attention.
Through gritted teeth, Sheppard ground out as he tried on his own to get up, “You two gonna argue or help me?” His knees started to buckle and both Rodney and Carson reached out to support him.
Disgusted and outnumbered, Carson gave in, “Come on then. Let’s get you in the car and back to Rodney’s place so I can check you out thoroughly. If I find something serious you’ll be going to the hospital. Do I make myself clear, Colonel?”
“Crystal,” hissed John as they settled him in the car. “Can we go now?” He was holding his ribs as he slumped into the seat. Carson slid in beside him and Rodney hurried around the car and got in the drivers seat. The tension was very thick on the ride back to Rodney’s apartment. The only sound was Sheppard’s labored breathing and Carson’s muttered curses about bossy physicists and stupid pilots.
*****
John sat on Rodney’s couch while Carson poked and prodded, satisfied that Sheppard wasn’t seriously injured. Rodney looked on curiously, “So…you’re gay?”
“No, McKay, I wanted to risk my entire military career to see how the other half lives.”
“Well, you could have fooled me.”
“Do we have to do this right now?” sighed John.
Carson shook his head as the two men bantered with each other. He looked at John and tried to lighten his mood, “I hope at least you were coming out rather than goin’ in.”
“Why?”
“If you were comin’ out at least you got something out of it,” teased Carson. Rodney laughed.
John groaned, “Not worth it, trust me.”
Rodney peered over Carson’s shoulder at the bruising on Sheppard’s side and winced, “Somebody is going to be pissing in Technicolor.”
Snapping his head at Rodney, Carson admonished him, “Rodney!”
“What?” Rodney shrugged, “It’s the truth.”
Carson tilted his head and couldn’t suppress the small smile, “Aye, it will be a might colorful for a few days.”
John just slumped further into the couch with a moan. He was too tired and too sore to wonder why neither Carson nor Rodney was upset about his newly discovered sexual orientation.
*********
The next morning, John woke up feeling incredibly sore and opening his eyes he was surprised to see both Carson and Rodney dozing on small couch in the corner of his room. The fact that they were sprawled on top of each other, arms and legs intertwined surprised him even more. A grunt of pain as he tried to sit up woke Carson.
Lifting a still sleeping Rodney enough to slip away, Carson got up to check his patient. John raised an eyebrow, “Something you want to tell me?”
He took John’s pulse and prodded his ribs, ignoring the question “Any pain?”
John clenched his teeth, “More than there was, thank you very much.”
“Humph. I suppose telling you that you should be more careful would be a wasted effort?”
“Yeah, because I planned this, Carson,” snapped Sheppard, pushing away the doctors hands as they reached for the bandage on his brow.
Carson batted them away and continued to unwrap the wound. “I wouldn’t fight me. I can make your life miserable, Colonel.”
“More miserable than I am?” John ground out as Carson touched his tender scalp, “You’re taking this too well, Carson.”
Rodney chimed in, “And why shouldn’t he. He’s been fucking me in the ass for months now.”
John choked and started coughing. “Fuck that hurts.”
Helping John, Carson held him while he recovered from Rodney’s bluntness. “Don’t be a cheeky bugger, Rodney. It’s not like you’re suffering any,” quipped Carson, offering a smile in return.
John shook his head, wishing he hadn’t as the pain flared. He lay back down on the bed, “Am I the only one freaked out by this?” Carson shrugged as he got up to retrieve fresh bandages.
It was Rodney that answered, “Freaked out as in you were stupid enough to go to a gay bar that is frequented by bashers or that Carson and I are fucking each other.” He added thoughtfully, his voice rising, “Personally, I’m freaked out by the fact that the man I thought as hopelessly straight is actually GAY.”
“Bi,” John corrected.
“Oh forgive me,” sneered Rodney, rising from the couch and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “What the hell were you doing at that club? There are better places.”
“What? You’re the expert on getting laid now. It’s not like I have a lot of choices and after a year of going without, I’m not that damn particular.”
Carson returned and began rebandaging John’s head wound, “One night stands aren’t exactly the wisest choice, Colonel. I hoped you used a condom.”
John glared at the doctor, “I’m desperate, not stupid.”
“I thought you’d be getting plenty of action from the all the princess bimbos in the Pegasus Galaxy,” said Rodney. He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead he yawned and stretched, “I need coffee.” He left without a backward glance.
Scowling, John asked Carson, “How do you put up with him?”
“I don’t. I try not to associate with him until he’s had several cups of coffee,” said Carson with a smile. “Rodney and I are not a couple, Colonel. Neither of us has time for anything so serious. We’re friends, nothing more.”
“You’re fucking each other, regularly” said John, almost wistfully, “Doesn’t that complicate things?”
Carson shook his head. “Not really. I like sex, Rodney likes sex. It’s a nice way to relieve the tension.”
John frowned, “I thought Rodney was straight. The way he moons over Carter is spooky.”
“Oh please…” said Rodney as he returned carrying three mugs of coffee, “Like she would have me. Even with my lack of social skills I’m not that stupid. Besides, she only has eyes for O’Neill.”
Scrunching his face, John closed his eyes, “I’m so confused here. Why bother if you know she doesn’t want you?”
Rodney rolled his eyes. He enunciated his words, “Because. I. Am. Gay. I work for the U.S. Military. You know the type, macho homophobic marines that don’t need any other reason to beat the hell out of you.”
“I don’t think it’s that bad, McKay.”
“This coming from someone that has to sneak out to a gay bar to get his rocks off.” snorted Rodney. “How convincing.”
John still wasn’t getting it, “Okay, but what about Allina. You seemed interested after I told you she wanted you.”
“Oh please, do you think I’m so socially maladjusted that I don’t recognize when a woman wants me? I’m gay, Colonel, not bi. I don’t want a woman. It’s easier to play stupid than it is to end up in bed with one and not be able to get it up. It’s part of the game. I might add, one you’ve mastered rather well.”
“I’m bi, it’s really not that much of a problem,” said John, surprised that he wasn’t as embarrassed as he should be having this conversation. In all honesty, he’d never really trusted anyone to talk about it, but it was different with Rodney and Carson. Okay, it didn’t hurt that he knew they were gay. They certainly weren’t going to rat him out.
Carson asked curiously, “If you like women then why wait a year? You sounded like you weren’t getting any on Atlantis. I’m sorry, Colonel, but you don’t strike me as someone that has a hard time gettin’ a date.”
Chuckling, John answered as he sneered at McKay, “Contrary to what Rodney thinks, I’m not fucking my way across the galaxy. I have to work with the people on Atlantis. Like you, I don’t have the time or the inclination to form a serious relationship. Women get all clingy if you show any interest.”
Slapping Carson’s arm, Rodney teased, “No dinner dates any more, Carson. I found the man of my dreams.”
“You asked me, so don’t be callin’ me clingy,” joked Carson.
“Humph. Foreplay,” said Rodney, lightly.
Carson rolled his eyes, “Only you would think of food as foreplay.”
“Whatever works. Although, I did miss out on great sex because someone couldn’t keep it in his pants last night.”
John watched the two men interact and wondered how he’d missed the fact that they were together. Okay, not together per say but fucking. How do you miss that after spending a year in close quarters with both of them? Rodney was an ass to Carson and Carson did a lot of eye rolling around the man and yet they were fucking. John figured he had to be doing something wrong if Rodney could get laid and he couldn’t. Maybe the Pegasus Galaxy had some sort of warped polarity thing going and it messed with his gaydar, because watching Carson and Rodney now, he shouldn’t have missed that.
He decided it was less painful if he didn’t think about it. “About last night…thanks for coming to get me. There was no way I could’ve driven myself.” He stopped and his eyes went wide. Sitting up, he ignored the scream of pain that shot through him, “Oh shit. My car. If it sits there too long they’ll try to find out whose it is. I’m so fucked.”
Sweating and hurting, John was forced back to the bed by Carson’s bulk. “Take it easy, Colonel. Rodney went back for the car last night.”
John stilled and stared at Rodney in shock, “You did?”
“Duh, genius here.” Rodney rolled his eyes and shook his head as he grabbed his empty coffee cup, “I need more coffee.” It didn’t take a genius to know to figure out that Rodney wasn’t comfortable showing the depth of his friendship and coffee was a good excuse to avoid John’s gratitude.
Exhausted, John slumped back on the bed with Carson’s help, “You need to rest.”
Nodding, John let his eyes close, “Thanks, Carson. For everything. Rodney too.”
Patting his shoulder, Carson smiled warmly, “Go to sleep, Colonel.”
********
Rodney was standing at the window of the conference room of the SGC, cup of coffee in hand as he watched the Gateroom comings and goings. John meandered in and slipped into the chair beside him, taking a sip of his own coffee. “I figured you’d be off harassing the new science staff.”
“Nah, after the third or forth one cries it kind of loses its affect.”
“You’re getting soft. It used to take five or six.”
“I have a regular supply of coffee again. Seems to help.” Rodney shrugged innocently, “Might be why Radek put in such a large order.”
John nodded knowingly and asked “What are you up to?”
“Killing time until the staff meeting. You?”
“Same.”
“Feeling any better?” asked Rodney quietly so as not to be over heard.
Nodding John answered, “If I don’t have to bend over or lift anything I’ll be good.”
“I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson from this,” said Rodney, clearly amused by the whole situation.
John shot back a response, “Yeah. Next time I’ll call Carson. He’s less smug about it.”
“Asshole.” Both men could easily joke about it, because they both knew it wasn’t true. The past week had proved that even knowing what they did now, it hadn’t changed their relationship or the one with Carson. If anything it made it easier to be themselves, at least around each other.
Following Rodney’s line of sight and seeing what he was staring so intently at, John effectively cut off any further insults McKay might offer, “Whoa. Briefs.”
Rodney splattered coffee all over the window and snorted the rest up his nose. John was laughing as he patted Rodney on the back to get him breathing again. Rodney shot him a death glare, “Warn a guy next time, would you?”
Straightening, Rodney wiped his mouth then after an embarrassed look around the room, wiped the glass with his sleeve, thankful they were alone. He looked down below again, “Yep…definitely briefs.”
They stood at the window drinking coffee, only the occasional word passing between them.
“Boxers.”
“Briefs.”
“Nope. Boxers.”
“Briefs, you can see the lines.”
“Right. My mistake.”
“Boxers.”
“Yep.”
“Briefs.”
A new voice stepped behind then and whispered, “Boxers.”
Both men startled at being found out, but breathed when they recognized the voice.
“Very funny, Carson.”
Carson flashed a cheeky grin, “I thought so. What are you two delinquents up to?”
Looking at his watch, John answered, “Wasting time until the meeting. Care to join us.”
Rodney nodded to the group down below, “What’s your vote?”
Leaning closer and glancing downward, Carson asked, “Who am I voting on?”
“Jackson.”
Carson answered without pause, “Humph. That’s easy. The man goes commando.”
“No shit?” said John, staring harder at Jackson’s ass as he marched up the ramp to talk to one of the technicians.
Rodney thumped his head on the glass, “Never play this game with a doctor, he has inside information. Now I have to go all day with that image in my head. I hate you, Carson.”
“Of course you do,” laughed Carson, heading off to find a seat as others began arriving. John patted Rodney on the back and smiled as he followed after Carson. Rodney took one last look at Jackson and joined them.
The End.
There actually is a Club Q in Colorado Springs, but I know nothing about it and I'm sure it's perfectly safe to go there. :)
Cross posted to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
40baisers the_best_ot3 sga_noticeboard
Author:
chaps1870Rating: PG13 for now.
Pairing: Rodney/Carson/John
Summary: Friends first.
Disclaimer: No infringement intended, only entertainment.
A/N The first story in the 40baisers challenge. I hope to use each theme in the ongoing series, but still make each story kind of self contained.
John had been on Earth for a week now and was itching to get off base. Being cooped up in the mountain with nothing but work was not how he wanted to spend his precious Earth vacation. When he finally finished all the debriefings and reports and meetings he ditched the uniform and dressed in a pair of jeans that actually fit, his tightest black T under his leather jacket and was ready to leave.
“Major?”
Whirling around, John came face to face with McKay and corrected the slight, “Colonel”
“What?” Rodney frowned in confusion
“It’s Colonel,” John said with a smug smile.
McKay ignored it, his hands waving, “Yes, yes, Colonel. Leave it to the military to make things difficult. It would be like me changing my name to Bill or something equally inane. What was wrong with Major?”
Scrunching his face, John retorted, “My name isn’t Major.”
“Oh right, it’s Colonel,” said Rodney, raising a brow. He emphasized, “So Colonel…” McKay paused, looking Sheppard up and down and realized he was dressed up. “Hey, are you leaving the mountain?”
“Yes. I’m going out for the night. Unlike you, I have to sleep here and staring at the same gray walls day after day is driving me crazy.”
Rodney huffed, “Don’t blame me. I offered to let you sleep at my place.”
“You already invited Carson. I didn’t want to overcrowd you.”
“Oh please, it’s not like any of us spend much time off the mountain. My apartment has plenty of room.”
Anxious to be leaving, now that he was dressed and ready to go, Sheppard sighed, “Did you actually have a reason for stopping me?”
“Right. I thought you might want to join me and Carson for supper at O’Malley’s. I asked Elizabeth but she said something about Simon,” said Rodney, his hands gestured to John’s clothes as he added, “I didn’t realize you were going out catting for the evening.” Rodney laughed and started walking the other way, “Have fun. I’m sure the women will be throwing themselves at your feet.”
“Fuck you, Rodney.” McKay took a perverse pleasure in teasing him about women and how they seemed to be drawn to him like a magnet. John called out to McKay’s retreating back, “You’re just jealous.”
Rodney waved him off without turning around and John found himself smiling despite himself. He found he’d missed interacting with McKay everyday. Being on Earth had limited their daily contact and it was just another thing that made him wish he was back home, back in Atlantis. Earth was nice and he missed a lot of what it had to offer, but Atlantis had become his home.
Speaking of Earth and what it had to offer, his steps quickened as he left the base in search of better offerings. He could have taken a base car complete with driver but that wouldn’t have played into his desire for anonymity so he’d arranged to rent a car for his short stay on Earth. It was easier than explaining himself and the rental place had a sweet Jag that suited him perfectly.
The Jag was parked in the lot per his request and he slipped into the driver’s seat, the feel of the car beneath him strange but exhilarating and after a mile or two of driving he was back to feeling normal. It wasn’t a puddlejumper but it had its own advantages.
Driving through town was an adventure in itself and John’ realized he hadn’t missed the traffic or the noise or any of it for that matter. Checking the street signs, he found what he was looking for and only found a place to park after cruising the lot a couple times. Even then it was about as far from the entrance as it could be and still be in the lot.
A quick check in the mirror and he exited the Jag, locked it up and headed into the club. He’d only been here once before, shortly before leaving for Atlantis and hoped to have as good of luck as last time. It wasn’t the best solution and not even a bright one, but damn near a year in the Pegasus Galaxy had made him desperate.
Two hours later, he left the club with a definite bounce in his step and feeling much better. He’d gotten lucky, very lucky and he had several numbers in his pocket that would take care of the remainder of his stay on Earth.
In hindsight, he should have been paying more attention to where he was going, rather than where he’d been. Almost to his car that was now practically hidden by the big SUV parked next to it he never saw them coming. It was quick and well executed, almost with military precision.
John thought oh fuck as two of them pinned him to the SUV while a third landed some nice blows to his stomach. Even tensing in anticipation didn’t stop the pain that exploded in his gut. He was kind of drifting after that, the words faggot and queer still making it into his consciousness as the three men continued their assault. After a couple more hits and a particularly nasty one to the side of his head, John let the darkness take the pain away.
********
Rodney and Carson were finishing dinner at O’Malley’s when Rodney’s cell rang. He hated leaving it on when he went to a restaurant but the SGC had provided the phones with the explicit instructions they not be shut off. Something about needing to be able to get a hold of them at all times. Rodney knew the drill. “McKay.”
The room was loud and Rodney had to put a finger in his other ear so he could hear. “What?”
“Colonel…John,” his voice was getting louder and more anxious. Carson had stopped eating and was now watching and listening to Rodney intently.
“Where are you?” The concern in Rodney’s voice was notable and he motioned to Carson that they had to go. Carson pulled out his wallet, threw enough money on the table to cover dinner and the tip and followed after Rodney, who was still talking on the phone. “Yeah, I know where it is.”
Rodney was out the door and on the way to his car as he fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Carson. Covering the phone, he spoke to Carson over the top of the car, “Club Q. Somebody beat him up.”
Carson’s eyes went wide and he mouthed, “Club Q?” Out loud he asked, “Ask how bad he’s hurt.”
Shrugging, Rodney’s attention was back on the phone, and got in the car. “How bad are you hurt?” Rodney relayed information to Dr. Beckett, “Stomach, ribs, blurry vision.”
Rodney was slammed back in his seat as Carson floored it. “Jesus Carson, are you trying to give me whiplash.” He sneered into the phone, “Oh yeah, Colonel laugh it up. Only you would find the strength to mock me with your last breath.” Realizing what he’d said Rodney winced, “Sorry. How you doing? Hang in there.” He shot a glare at Carson as he added, “The way Carson is driving we’ll be there in no time.”
“Yes, well, who knew he had it in him,” quipped Rodney, flashing Carson a smile. “Colonel? Hey…wake up! JOHN! Damn it!” Dropping the phone in his lap, Rodney leaned forward, checking out street signs. After several blocks, he pointed frantically to the right, “There, there, that’s the turn.”
Carson barely slowed as he made the turn, making Rodney grab for the dash. “What! Did you do a rotation as an ambulance driver or what?”
“Shut up, Rodney. I’m trying to get us there.” He nodded towards the phone in Rodney’s phone, “Keep trying to talk to him.”
Looking at the phone, Rodney snapped, “I think he passed out.”
“Rodney!” barked Carson, flashing him an evil glare while still trying to drive.
“Fine,” huffed Rodney, returning the phone to his ear. “Colonel…Sheppard… JOHN. Pick up the damn phone and talk to me you brainless flyboy piece of shit!” Rodney was sweating and fidgeting nervously and there was no mistaking his concern regardless of what his words said. He continued to babble nervously into the phone, “You know you fucked up my evening, don’t you. I was on my way to an evening full of sex when you had to do something stupid. What the fuck were you thinking? Of all the places you could go you had to pick Club Q. Do you even know what kind of club it is or did your chick magnet go haywire, cause I can guarantee you won’t find what you’re looking for there.”
Rodney stilled and his finger went back in his ear, “Did you tell me to shut up?”
“Yes well, it woke you up didn’t it?” Carson poked him and pointed outside. Looking up, Rodney realized where they were. “Okay…we’re here. Where are you?”
Rolling his eyes, Rodney sighed, “A Jag. Of course, why didn’t I know that? You are nothing if not predictable, Colonel.” Pointing to the Northeast, Rodney told Carson, “Over there. Far end of the lot. A black Jag.”
Carson nodded and only slowed down as he neared the spot in question. As soon as Rodney spotted the Jag he was out of the car before Carson even had a chance to stop. “RODNEY! Are ya tryin’ to kill yourself. One of you at a time is enough.” Throwing the car in park, he rushed around the car to join McKay as he knelt beside John, who was leaning against the SUV looking worse for wear.
Looking up, John tried to smile, “Rodney. Carson. Thanks for coming.”
Carson did a quick check for injuries. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a penlight and shined it in Sheppard’s eyes. “Rodney, I think you should call an ambulance. He may have a concussion,”
Rodney stared at him in disbelief, “Don’t tell me you carry one of those with you?”
“No, Rodney. I snapped my fingers and it magically appeared.” Carson continued to exam John, but was interrupted when the Colonel grabbed his shirt in a tight fist.
“No ambulance, no hospital,” Sheppard pleaded, “Please.”
Carson was in full doctor mode. “You’re hurt, Colonel. I need to get x-rays. See if there is internal damage.”
“Nothing’s broke, just sore. Please Carson. I can’t go to the hospital.”
About to argue, Carson was cut off by Rodney who was hovering nervously, his eyes scanning the parking lot. “He’s right, Carson. He can’t go to the hospital and he can’t go back to the base.”
“What are you talking about, man? He’s hurt!”
Rodney was practically bouncing, “Damn it Carson, look around. Look where we are. Do you really think they are gonna understand why an Air Force officer is at a GAY club?”
“But he’s injured. He needs to be checked out. I can only do so much.”
Returning to Sheppard’s side, Rodney gently slipped an arm around his back. John moaned at the contact and his head lolled against Rodney’s shoulder. Rodney took a deep breath and tried to reason with the doctor, “Fine. You can do it at my place. If he gets any worse we can worry about it there. Now help me get him into the car before we make a bigger scene than we already have.”
“I need to bandage his head, Rodney. He’s bleeding,” insisted Carson.
“Do it in the car!” hissed Rodney, losing his patience with the doctor. People were mingling in the parking lot, looking their way and the longer they stayed the more likely they were to draw unwanted attention.
Through gritted teeth, Sheppard ground out as he tried on his own to get up, “You two gonna argue or help me?” His knees started to buckle and both Rodney and Carson reached out to support him.
Disgusted and outnumbered, Carson gave in, “Come on then. Let’s get you in the car and back to Rodney’s place so I can check you out thoroughly. If I find something serious you’ll be going to the hospital. Do I make myself clear, Colonel?”
“Crystal,” hissed John as they settled him in the car. “Can we go now?” He was holding his ribs as he slumped into the seat. Carson slid in beside him and Rodney hurried around the car and got in the drivers seat. The tension was very thick on the ride back to Rodney’s apartment. The only sound was Sheppard’s labored breathing and Carson’s muttered curses about bossy physicists and stupid pilots.
*****
John sat on Rodney’s couch while Carson poked and prodded, satisfied that Sheppard wasn’t seriously injured. Rodney looked on curiously, “So…you’re gay?”
“No, McKay, I wanted to risk my entire military career to see how the other half lives.”
“Well, you could have fooled me.”
“Do we have to do this right now?” sighed John.
Carson shook his head as the two men bantered with each other. He looked at John and tried to lighten his mood, “I hope at least you were coming out rather than goin’ in.”
“Why?”
“If you were comin’ out at least you got something out of it,” teased Carson. Rodney laughed.
John groaned, “Not worth it, trust me.”
Rodney peered over Carson’s shoulder at the bruising on Sheppard’s side and winced, “Somebody is going to be pissing in Technicolor.”
Snapping his head at Rodney, Carson admonished him, “Rodney!”
“What?” Rodney shrugged, “It’s the truth.”
Carson tilted his head and couldn’t suppress the small smile, “Aye, it will be a might colorful for a few days.”
John just slumped further into the couch with a moan. He was too tired and too sore to wonder why neither Carson nor Rodney was upset about his newly discovered sexual orientation.
*********
The next morning, John woke up feeling incredibly sore and opening his eyes he was surprised to see both Carson and Rodney dozing on small couch in the corner of his room. The fact that they were sprawled on top of each other, arms and legs intertwined surprised him even more. A grunt of pain as he tried to sit up woke Carson.
Lifting a still sleeping Rodney enough to slip away, Carson got up to check his patient. John raised an eyebrow, “Something you want to tell me?”
He took John’s pulse and prodded his ribs, ignoring the question “Any pain?”
John clenched his teeth, “More than there was, thank you very much.”
“Humph. I suppose telling you that you should be more careful would be a wasted effort?”
“Yeah, because I planned this, Carson,” snapped Sheppard, pushing away the doctors hands as they reached for the bandage on his brow.
Carson batted them away and continued to unwrap the wound. “I wouldn’t fight me. I can make your life miserable, Colonel.”
“More miserable than I am?” John ground out as Carson touched his tender scalp, “You’re taking this too well, Carson.”
Rodney chimed in, “And why shouldn’t he. He’s been fucking me in the ass for months now.”
John choked and started coughing. “Fuck that hurts.”
Helping John, Carson held him while he recovered from Rodney’s bluntness. “Don’t be a cheeky bugger, Rodney. It’s not like you’re suffering any,” quipped Carson, offering a smile in return.
John shook his head, wishing he hadn’t as the pain flared. He lay back down on the bed, “Am I the only one freaked out by this?” Carson shrugged as he got up to retrieve fresh bandages.
It was Rodney that answered, “Freaked out as in you were stupid enough to go to a gay bar that is frequented by bashers or that Carson and I are fucking each other.” He added thoughtfully, his voice rising, “Personally, I’m freaked out by the fact that the man I thought as hopelessly straight is actually GAY.”
“Bi,” John corrected.
“Oh forgive me,” sneered Rodney, rising from the couch and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “What the hell were you doing at that club? There are better places.”
“What? You’re the expert on getting laid now. It’s not like I have a lot of choices and after a year of going without, I’m not that damn particular.”
Carson returned and began rebandaging John’s head wound, “One night stands aren’t exactly the wisest choice, Colonel. I hoped you used a condom.”
John glared at the doctor, “I’m desperate, not stupid.”
“I thought you’d be getting plenty of action from the all the princess bimbos in the Pegasus Galaxy,” said Rodney. He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead he yawned and stretched, “I need coffee.” He left without a backward glance.
Scowling, John asked Carson, “How do you put up with him?”
“I don’t. I try not to associate with him until he’s had several cups of coffee,” said Carson with a smile. “Rodney and I are not a couple, Colonel. Neither of us has time for anything so serious. We’re friends, nothing more.”
“You’re fucking each other, regularly” said John, almost wistfully, “Doesn’t that complicate things?”
Carson shook his head. “Not really. I like sex, Rodney likes sex. It’s a nice way to relieve the tension.”
John frowned, “I thought Rodney was straight. The way he moons over Carter is spooky.”
“Oh please…” said Rodney as he returned carrying three mugs of coffee, “Like she would have me. Even with my lack of social skills I’m not that stupid. Besides, she only has eyes for O’Neill.”
Scrunching his face, John closed his eyes, “I’m so confused here. Why bother if you know she doesn’t want you?”
Rodney rolled his eyes. He enunciated his words, “Because. I. Am. Gay. I work for the U.S. Military. You know the type, macho homophobic marines that don’t need any other reason to beat the hell out of you.”
“I don’t think it’s that bad, McKay.”
“This coming from someone that has to sneak out to a gay bar to get his rocks off.” snorted Rodney. “How convincing.”
John still wasn’t getting it, “Okay, but what about Allina. You seemed interested after I told you she wanted you.”
“Oh please, do you think I’m so socially maladjusted that I don’t recognize when a woman wants me? I’m gay, Colonel, not bi. I don’t want a woman. It’s easier to play stupid than it is to end up in bed with one and not be able to get it up. It’s part of the game. I might add, one you’ve mastered rather well.”
“I’m bi, it’s really not that much of a problem,” said John, surprised that he wasn’t as embarrassed as he should be having this conversation. In all honesty, he’d never really trusted anyone to talk about it, but it was different with Rodney and Carson. Okay, it didn’t hurt that he knew they were gay. They certainly weren’t going to rat him out.
Carson asked curiously, “If you like women then why wait a year? You sounded like you weren’t getting any on Atlantis. I’m sorry, Colonel, but you don’t strike me as someone that has a hard time gettin’ a date.”
Chuckling, John answered as he sneered at McKay, “Contrary to what Rodney thinks, I’m not fucking my way across the galaxy. I have to work with the people on Atlantis. Like you, I don’t have the time or the inclination to form a serious relationship. Women get all clingy if you show any interest.”
Slapping Carson’s arm, Rodney teased, “No dinner dates any more, Carson. I found the man of my dreams.”
“You asked me, so don’t be callin’ me clingy,” joked Carson.
“Humph. Foreplay,” said Rodney, lightly.
Carson rolled his eyes, “Only you would think of food as foreplay.”
“Whatever works. Although, I did miss out on great sex because someone couldn’t keep it in his pants last night.”
John watched the two men interact and wondered how he’d missed the fact that they were together. Okay, not together per say but fucking. How do you miss that after spending a year in close quarters with both of them? Rodney was an ass to Carson and Carson did a lot of eye rolling around the man and yet they were fucking. John figured he had to be doing something wrong if Rodney could get laid and he couldn’t. Maybe the Pegasus Galaxy had some sort of warped polarity thing going and it messed with his gaydar, because watching Carson and Rodney now, he shouldn’t have missed that.
He decided it was less painful if he didn’t think about it. “About last night…thanks for coming to get me. There was no way I could’ve driven myself.” He stopped and his eyes went wide. Sitting up, he ignored the scream of pain that shot through him, “Oh shit. My car. If it sits there too long they’ll try to find out whose it is. I’m so fucked.”
Sweating and hurting, John was forced back to the bed by Carson’s bulk. “Take it easy, Colonel. Rodney went back for the car last night.”
John stilled and stared at Rodney in shock, “You did?”
“Duh, genius here.” Rodney rolled his eyes and shook his head as he grabbed his empty coffee cup, “I need more coffee.” It didn’t take a genius to know to figure out that Rodney wasn’t comfortable showing the depth of his friendship and coffee was a good excuse to avoid John’s gratitude.
Exhausted, John slumped back on the bed with Carson’s help, “You need to rest.”
Nodding, John let his eyes close, “Thanks, Carson. For everything. Rodney too.”
Patting his shoulder, Carson smiled warmly, “Go to sleep, Colonel.”
********
Rodney was standing at the window of the conference room of the SGC, cup of coffee in hand as he watched the Gateroom comings and goings. John meandered in and slipped into the chair beside him, taking a sip of his own coffee. “I figured you’d be off harassing the new science staff.”
“Nah, after the third or forth one cries it kind of loses its affect.”
“You’re getting soft. It used to take five or six.”
“I have a regular supply of coffee again. Seems to help.” Rodney shrugged innocently, “Might be why Radek put in such a large order.”
John nodded knowingly and asked “What are you up to?”
“Killing time until the staff meeting. You?”
“Same.”
“Feeling any better?” asked Rodney quietly so as not to be over heard.
Nodding John answered, “If I don’t have to bend over or lift anything I’ll be good.”
“I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson from this,” said Rodney, clearly amused by the whole situation.
John shot back a response, “Yeah. Next time I’ll call Carson. He’s less smug about it.”
“Asshole.” Both men could easily joke about it, because they both knew it wasn’t true. The past week had proved that even knowing what they did now, it hadn’t changed their relationship or the one with Carson. If anything it made it easier to be themselves, at least around each other.
Following Rodney’s line of sight and seeing what he was staring so intently at, John effectively cut off any further insults McKay might offer, “Whoa. Briefs.”
Rodney splattered coffee all over the window and snorted the rest up his nose. John was laughing as he patted Rodney on the back to get him breathing again. Rodney shot him a death glare, “Warn a guy next time, would you?”
Straightening, Rodney wiped his mouth then after an embarrassed look around the room, wiped the glass with his sleeve, thankful they were alone. He looked down below again, “Yep…definitely briefs.”
They stood at the window drinking coffee, only the occasional word passing between them.
“Boxers.”
“Briefs.”
“Nope. Boxers.”
“Briefs, you can see the lines.”
“Right. My mistake.”
“Boxers.”
“Yep.”
“Briefs.”
A new voice stepped behind then and whispered, “Boxers.”
Both men startled at being found out, but breathed when they recognized the voice.
“Very funny, Carson.”
Carson flashed a cheeky grin, “I thought so. What are you two delinquents up to?”
Looking at his watch, John answered, “Wasting time until the meeting. Care to join us.”
Rodney nodded to the group down below, “What’s your vote?”
Leaning closer and glancing downward, Carson asked, “Who am I voting on?”
“Jackson.”
Carson answered without pause, “Humph. That’s easy. The man goes commando.”
“No shit?” said John, staring harder at Jackson’s ass as he marched up the ramp to talk to one of the technicians.
Rodney thumped his head on the glass, “Never play this game with a doctor, he has inside information. Now I have to go all day with that image in my head. I hate you, Carson.”
“Of course you do,” laughed Carson, heading off to find a seat as others began arriving. John patted Rodney on the back and smiled as he followed after Carson. Rodney took one last look at Jackson and joined them.
The End.
There actually is a Club Q in Colorado Springs, but I know nothing about it and I'm sure it's perfectly safe to go there. :)
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