Finally

"There was one last thing in the databurst," Elizabeth says.

John is only half paying attention. Yesterday's mission had ended at about 1 a.m. Atlantis time and he's beat.

"The President of the United States signed the Military Readiness Enhancement Act three days ago. It went into effect immediately."

John's head comes up at that, his eyes finding Rodney's. Rodney is sitting across the table from John in his usual place, and his eyes are wide, astonished, hungry.

"Are there likely to be any problems implementing the new policy?"

John hears the question, but all he can think is 'finally, thank God, finally.'

"No, ma'am," Lorne answers when John doesn't. "Most of the men weren't very big on the old policy to begin with."

"Good. I was planning on simply including it with the regular weekly update, unless you feel the announcement should come from you?"

"No," John answers, tearing his eyes from Rodney's. "Putting it in the weekly update will be fine."

"In that case, you are all dismissed." Her gaze darts from John to Rodney, as she stands.

Rising to his feet, John walks around the table, falling into step beside Rodney. They can be together now. Here in Atlantis. No more stolen nights off-world, when there was no chance of being caught. Two nights, maybe three a year if they were lucky.

No more sneaking, or hiding, or pretending. It was like being at the highest spot on the roller coaster, waiting for the ride to start.

They were almost to Rodney's lab. If John was going to say something, he needed to say it now. "So, um, tonight. You want to get together?"

Rodney stops in front of the door to the lab and turns to face John. "Yes." He's smiling, and it's quite possibly the biggest smile John has ever seen. He can feel his own lips spreading, curling, answering Rodney.

"After dinner?" John asks.

"Sounds good."

John should go now, but he can't seem to turn away. Drawing in a breath, he leans down. It's supposed to be a small kiss, a simple good-bye. And it is, for a few seconds. But Rodney's lips feel amazing under his and it's been forever since they've done this.

And they've never done it here, on Atlantis, where people can see.

Sliding a hand around Rodney's waist, John inches closer. The feel of Rodney's body against his is both familiar and new.

The kiss is unhurried, sensual, relaxed. There is no longer a need to rush.

Rodney is starting to harden against his hip.

The lab door slides open and John pulls back, turning to see Simpson standing in the doorway, her face bright red. "Excuse me," she says, ducking her head and walking behind John and out the door.

Rodney is looking a little pink and John can feel his own face heating. "So, um, dinner," he says, trying for cool.

"I'll see you there."

"Right." John removes his arms from Rodney's waist, and turns to go. He's pretty sure everyone in the lab is watching them through the open door, but he has no urge to look and confirm his suspicions. He takes a step away and then turns back. This kiss is a simple good-bye.

He walks away with a smile on his face.