Lip Service

"Couldn't you have ducked?" Rodney said, putting two fingers under John's chin and turning his head from side-to-side.

"No," John said, even though it hurt a little to move his lower lip. "I wanted to get hit in the mouth." Sparring with Ronon and Teyla had spoiled him, not that they pulled their punches, at least John didn't think they did, but they never hit anyone in the face hard enough to do damage. Nineteen-year-old Marines didn't have the same level of control.

"How long will it be swollen up like that?" Rodney asked with a sigh.

John didn't blame him for being disappointed. He was kind of disappointed himself. Tomorrow was supposed to have been their day. They'd already laid in food for breakfast so they could wake up, have breakfast, and then sex, or maybe sex, then breakfast, or maybe breakfast during sex. A whole day of leisurely, nowhere to go, nothing else to do, sex and he'd ruined it by not ducking. Because how could you have leisurely sex without leisurely kisses? And John definitely wasn't kissing anyone for a while. Or sucking. He sighed, too. "I'm sorry."

Rodney dropped his hand, eyes still focused on John's lip. "At least it's not bleeding."

"Uh," John agreed, nodding.

"Does it hurt?"

"Only when I talk."

Rodney scowled. "So why are you talking?"

John stared fixedly at Rodney.

"Oh, right. Sorry. No more questions. Huh. I suppose blowjobs are out, too? Wait, that's a question, isn't it?"

John opened his mouth, but that hurt, so he closed it again, and settled for crossing his arms over his chest and glaring.

Rodney pointed a finger at John. "You're very good with the body language."

John shook his head, but unfolded his arms. "Listen," he said, trying not to move his lip too much, "I'll see you in the morning, okay?" He was pretty sure he could find something else to do with his day off. They could have their day in bed together another time. With blowjobs.

"Wait, wait," Rodney said, grabbing his arm. "Where do you think you're going?"

"My quarters." He didn't actually relish being seen like this, and he could probably find something to do in his room.

"What in the world for? Do you honestly think we can't work around a little swelling?"

"Rodney," John said, even though he wanted to stay.

"You've been injured and it's my job as your--" Rodney hesitated for a fraction of a second "-- other person to take care of you." Rodney took hold of John's t-shirt and began tugging it free of John's pants. "So, come on, get naked and let me take care of you."

John looked at him for a moment, considering. Rodney wasn't exactly the gentlest nurse John had ever had, but he was good at distracting John from his suffering. Grabbing his t-shirt, he pulled it over his head.

"Ow," he said as his shirt collar raked over his lip.

"Oh will you--" With an exasperated noise, Rodney grabbed John's forearms. "Just hold still and let me do this before you injure yourself further, okay?"

"This sucks," John said, and ow, that hurt too.

"Yes, yes, but fortunately for you, I do, too." Rodney grinned brightly.

John found himself grinning in return, even though it made his lip throb again, because yes, Rodney did suck and he was very, very good at it.

"Now give me this." Rodney took the shirt from John's hands and tossed it onto the floor. "And come here."

With a hand to John's elbow, he guided John to the bed. John wanted to complain that he wasn't crippled, he could find his way to the bed himself, but Rodney seemed bent on taking this whole caretaker thing very seriously so he let himself be led.

"Okay, sit," Rodney said, indicating John to sit on the edge of the bed. At the sight of John's raised brow he added, "Please."

John sat.

"Now hold still." Rodney rested his hands on John's shoulder. "Very still. Got it?"

He cradled John's head in his hands and John held still, very still because Rodney was leaning in close, eyes wide and concerned. Soft lips touched his upper lip, light as a feather, and John's eyes fluttered shut. Another kiss, this time to the undamaged corner of his mouth, followed by another kiss, right on his cheekbone.

Rodney pressed a kiss to one closed eyelid, then the other, before kissing John's other cheekbone.

"Hmmm," Rodney said, and John opened his eyes. Letting go of John's face, Rodney sank onto the bed beside him. Rodney started to lean in, then stopped. "Maybe if you lay down."

John started to edge back toward the middle of the bed, but Rodney grabbed his arm. "No, actually I think sitting will be better," Rodney said.

It was probably just as well that it hurt John to speak.

Cupping the side of John's neck in his hand, Rodney said, "Yes, yes, this will work," almost as if he was talking to himself.

Then he pressed a kiss to the spot just below John's ear. It was just as light as the other kisses, but it sent a small shudder through him. Rodney kissed that spot a lot, because he knew what it did to John. Things were usually a little further along, though, and the kisses involved some sucking and a scrape of teeth. If John was close enough, that scrape could send him right over the edge.

Rodney had never kissed that spot like this, soft and light, painstakingly gentle. Tilting his head, John leaned closer and Rodney slipped an arm around his waist, his other hand still cupping the side of John's neck. He brushed his lips over John's ear and John shivered, leaning closer to Rodney, soaking in the warmth of Rodney's body. Instinctively he turned to face Rodney and nuzzled in, seeking a kiss. He was startled when Rodney pulled back.

"What are you doing?" Rodney asked. His hand was flat on John's chest, keeping him away.

John shrugged. "Kissing?" It was utterly and completely wrong that he couldn't kiss Rodney. Rodney's mouth was a wonderful thing.

"Uh uh." Rodney shook his head. "You keep those lips to yourself. I'm the one doing the kissing around here."

John sighed.

Rodney's expression softened. He pressed a kiss to John's shoulder. "I know I'm irresistible, but you are just going to have to restrain yourself."

John thumped Rodney's chest with the back of his hand, biting back a grin.

"And I, on the other hand, need show no self-restraint whatsoever." Rodney ran his hand over John's chest, fingertips gliding across John's skin. A soft kiss to John's collarbone, then to the crook of John's neck. His breath tickled John's skin and by time Rodney had worked his way back up to John's ear, John had to suck in a deep breath, just to keep from getting too dizzy.

His mouth back on that spot, Rodney was brushing his fingers over John's nipple almost absently. Remembering that he had hands, too, perfectly uninjured hands, John slipped a hand up under Rodney's t-shirt.

"Hey," Rodney said, pulling back. "None of that."

John opened his mouth to protest, then remembered that talking hurt.

"I'm taking care of you, remember?"

John nodded, because he absolutely remembered that.

"Good." Rodney's expression turned thoughtful. "I think you should lay down now."

After waiting a moment to see if Rodney would change his mind, John started to shift into the middle of the bed.

Rodney grabbed his arm. "Wait. You should undress first." Laughing, John started to stand, only to have Rodney tug him back down. "I should do it," Rodney said. "What with you being injured and all."

Before John could point out that a split lip didn't mean he couldn't take off his own pants, Rodney was kneeling in front of him, untying his boots. John decided it wouldn't hurt to let Rodney undress him.

"Okay, lift," Rodney said, all business as he patted John's shin. When John lifted his foot, Rodney slid the boot off and with deft fingers removed John's sock. Cradling John's foot in his hand, Rodney looked it over carefully, then bent down and kissed the top of it.

It should have been ridiculous.

Rodney removed John's second boot, and his sock, and again, held John's foot as if it were precious and pressed a kiss to the bony top of it. When John wiggled his toes, Rodney gave his foot a squeeze, and grinned up at him.

John unbuttoned the top button of his pants and waggled his eyebrows encouragingly.

"Yes, yes, I'm getting there," Rodney said, running his hands up John's legs, slowly, more slowly than Rodney ever moved. John was pretty sure that tormenting the injured person was not part of good caretaking, and he was just about to say so when Rodney's hands finally reached the fastenings on his pants. Rodney undid the second button, then the third, his fingers grazing John's cock. Groaning at the contact, John lifted his hips.

Smiling, Rodney undid the last two buttons then patted John's hip. "Okay, Mr. Impatient, you can stand now."

John stood and his pants slipped a little, then they slipped a lot when Rodney took hold of the sides and pulled. His cock was jutting forward, trying to free itself from his boxers, his pants were around his ankles, and Rodney was so close John could feel the heat from Rodney's breath on his cock. He leaned forward, hands going to Rodney's head, soft hair like silk between his fingers.

With a soft "oh", Rodney rubbed his cheek against the swell of John's cock. John rocked his hips, happy and eager. Rodney's mouth was so close, soon it would be right <i>there</i>, hot and wet and good and oh yes, Rodney sucked, in the best way possible.

Then all the wonderful warmth and pressure was gone.

John whimpered, nearly falling over as Rodney slipped away and sat back on his heels. "Whoa, steady," Rodney said, hands going to John's thighs. "You sure you're all right? Maybe you should sit down."

John sat down with a huff. No, he was not okay, he was horny, and Rodney needed to get with the program and suck his damn cock. "Rodney," he growled.

Rodney raised a quieting finger. "No talking."

"Rodney," John repeated. He grabbed Rodney's outstretched hand and pulled, but Rodney yanked his hand free.

"Wait, wait," Rodney insisted, "Pants."

He freed John from his pants, now pooled around his ankles, and tossed them over his shoulder. "There."

There was still the problem of his boxers, and John was about to point this out when Rodney's hands slid up his legs again, oh so slow, palms pressing down, pushing his thighs apart. Then Rodney leaned in and pressed a kiss to the base of John's cock, right through his boxers. "Lift up," Rodney said, taking hold of John's boxers.

John was more than to happy to lift his hips, and Rodney quickly tugged them down and off. Over the shoulder they went. John was glad Rodney hadn't done that with his shoes. Leaning back on his elbows, John spread his legs invitingly.

Rodney leaned in and John pulled in a breath in anticipation. Rodney turned his head and pressed a kiss to the side of John's knee.

Dropping all the way onto his back on the bed, John stared up at the ceiling. Clearly, Rodney's plan was to make him forget the pain in his mouth by torturing him in other places.

Another kiss, a little higher up. It was kind of nice, firm lips touching him gently, a hint of tongue. The next kiss had a bit of suction, and that was even nicer. Rodney was resting a hand on John's other thigh, warm and possessive. That was nice, too.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt John to wait, at least for a little while.

More suction, a touch from Rodney's tongue. Oh, he hadn't known that spot on his thigh was so sensitive.

More kisses, each one firm yet gentle on his skin, moving closer and closer. When a sly tongue teased the crease of his thigh, John groaned, spreading his legs further, arms outstretched, palms flat on the bed, waiting, anticipating.

A feather-light touch on his inner thighs--Rodney was stroking him, fingertips barely touching his skin. John squirmed, hips twisting. It was almost ticklish, but not quite, fingers sliding down to his knees and back up again, all the way to his balls and when Rodney slipped his hands underneath and gently cradled them it was a shock of pleasure, so much that John thought he might come, just from that alone.

"Wow," Rodney said softly.

John opened his eyes to see Rodney was standing, watching John's cock drip onto his thigh.

"Could you," Rodney swallowed, "on the bed--" He placed a hand on John's hip, urging him to move.

John shifted, letting Rodney position him so that he was stretched out on the bed. "Do you need another pillow?" Rodney asked, so solicitous that John wanted to kiss him. He settled for touching his hand to Rodney's cheek. Rodney turned, pressing his lips to the palm of John's hand.

Capturing John's hand with his, Rodney slid his mouth lower, kissed the inside of John's wrist. John watched him, caught by the tenderness of the gesture.

Rodney must've felt John's eyes on him, because he looked at John, an almost shy expression on his face.

"Get in the bed," John said, but it wasn't the soreness of his lips that made the words come out rough and barely above a whisper.

Settling onto his hip next to John, Rodney leaned down and kissed his forehead, the tip of his nose, the undamaged part of his upper lip. He lingered at John's lip, teasing it a little with his own, before kissing John's chin. Sliding lower on the bed, he moved in close to John's neck, forcing John to tilt his head back, and kissed the place where chin met neck.

Rodney kissed his way down to the base of John's neck, then trailed his lips along John's collarbone. John kept still, barely breathing, anticipating each press of Rodney's mouth.

Rodney began edging his way lower, on course for John's nipples. John wanted Rodney to get there, wanted the familiar suction, the sweet tease of Rodney's tongue, but he didn't want Rodney to hurry. Rodney didn't. Instead, he kissed each spot like he'd never seen it before, which was crazy because Rodney had seen him naked lots of times.

"Oh, hey," Rodney said softly.

John lifted his head.

"Another gray one." Rodney kissed a spot just above John's left nipple. "It wasn't there last week."

John snorted, head falling back onto the pillow.

"No, really. Trust me. I keep track of these things." Rodney brushed his fingers over the supposed gray chest hair. Which John admitted he might have one or two of. "That one is definitely new."

Rodney kissed the spot again and John reached for him because yes, Rodney would keep track of his gray hairs, it was a very Rodney thing to do. He cupped the back of Rodney's neck, not guiding him, but just to enjoy the feel of Rodney's skin, soft and delicate, as Rodney so often pointed out on sunny days.

"Now this one," Rodney murmured, tapping John's chest. "has been here a while." He kissed the edge of John's nipple.

"Mmm," John agreed encouragingly.

Rodney kissed his nipple, right in the center, lips closing over the part that was all hard and wanting attention. The sweet press of his lips was followed by the brush of a tongue, but instead of the suction which usually followed, Rodney kissed it again. Then there was more tongue, and more lips, but no suction. Groaning, John arched his back, and Rodney must've taken the hint because he sucked, sending pleasure straight to John's cock.

Letting up on the suction, Rodney went back to the kissing, to lips and tongue. Then more suction. John had had lovers who paid less attention to his cock than Rodney paid to his nipples, but this was a lot even for Rodney.

Rodney's eyes were closed, and he was making that happy little humming sound in the back of his throat. John stroked the back of Rodney's neck with his fingers and watched the part of Rodney's face he could see.

Releasing John's nipple, Rodney looked up his face showing nothing by pleasure. John brushed his fingers across those remarkable lips, getting a small smile in response. Then Rodney leaned down and kissed a spot between John's nipples before reaching over to press his lips to John's sadly neglected right nipple. A gentle lick, another kiss, and John moaned, fingers twisting into the collar of Rodney's t-shirt. When Rodney sucked hard, John's hips jerked.

"Okay, okay, let's see what else we have here, hmmm?" Rodney ran a finger down over John's ribs. John shivered as Rodney traced the curve of his stomach. "Oh yes, lots to do here."

John found himself nodding in agreement. He spread his legs so Rodney could climb between them and then brought his knees up and squeezed Rodney happily. Rodney was right where he needed to be, gazing down on him with a warmth that made John's breath quicken.

"First," Rodney said, "Let's get this out of the way." He slipped his shirt off over his head and John approved completely, all that pretty Rodney skin exposed now for him to see. "Now, this."

Rodney leaned over him and John tilted his hips hopefully.

Then Rodney pressed a kiss to his stomach, just below his navel.

John laughed, causing Rodney to lift his head and give John a questioning look. Lifting himself onto one arm, John cupped Rodney's cheek in his hand, then he leaned down and pressed a very soft kiss to Rodney's lips.

Rodney smiled, big and broad and John wanted to kiss him again, but kissing really did hurt. Instead, he settled back onto his elbows. "Do your worst."

"Worst"' Rodney said, his mouth quirking up on one side.

"Yup."

With a look in his eyes that was downright mischievous, Rodney bent back down. He touched his lips to a spot just above John's hipbone, the kiss featherlight. Another kiss, this one right on the top of his hipbone, followed by a little suction and slight scrape of teeth. Only Rodney could turn John's hipbones into an erogenous zone.

With a series of kisses, firmer and less teasing than before, Rodney kissed his way across John's stomach to the other hipbone. It, too, was treated to a light kiss, some suction, a scrape of teeth.

Resting his weight on one hand, Rodney locked his gaze on John's as he closed his other hand around John's shaft. John groaned.

Rodney started to lean down and John sucked in a breath in anticipation. He was slowly getting closer, but John had waited this long, he could wait a few seconds longer. But Rodney bypassed his cock and pressed his lips to the place above it, blowing air across John's skin.

Laughing, John lifted his hands, but before he could do anything with them Rodney's lips had closed around him and Rodney was sliding down, taking him deep. Laughter replaced with a long, low groan, John slid a hand into Rodney's hair.

Hot and wet, Rodney's mouth was perfect in so many ways and John loved it, gasping for breath as Rodney moved back up again, lingering with the tip in his mouth, thumb sliding along the shaft, then sucking John back down again with a low, content sound, as if this were everything he had ever wanted.

John dug his heels into the mattress and kept his hands on Rodney's head, letting Rodney's hair move through his fingers as his head bobbed. No more teasing, just firm, steady suction and John could feel the tension rising in his body, that slow curl of pleasure that blotted out everything except Rodney and Rodney's wonderful, perfect mouth.

Then the heat was gone and John grunted in dismay, but oh, his balls--Rodney had moved to suck his balls. John sighed again with pleasure, relaxing into it and lifting his legs. Rodney was gentle and careful, mouthing each one before moving back to kiss the base of John's cock. He licked his way back up and then it was all heat and pleasure again, a hand on John's hip, encouraging him to rock, to push up into his mouth. To let go. Now that he could, he didn't want to, because then it would be over. John didn't want it to be over. So he rocked his hips slowly, his cock moving back and forth on Rodney's tongue, across his lips.

Rodney's mouth felt like it was melting around him, molding itself to him with easy, almost tender suction.

John wanted to make it last, He did, but he was right there. So he gave in, coming in a long, shuddering pulse. Rodney swallowed around him, drinking him down.

When Rodney released him with a last kiss on the head of his cock, John relaxed into the bed, eyes closing.

Another kiss, this one to the center of his chest. The bed shifted and John opened his eyes. Rodney was kneeling beside him, tugging his pants open. Shoving them down, Rodney extracted his cock. It was hard and leaking, and John wanted to lean in and wrap his mouth around it, suck Rodney down.

Hand curling around the shaft, Rodney started to jerk himself off, fast and hard. Placing his hand over Rodney's, John slowed him down. Rodney groaned in protest, but he kept to John's pace.

Rodney was close. John could see it in his face and feel it in his cock. Rolling onto his side, he moved toward Rodney's cock, intending to wrap his lips around it.

"John," Rodney said, pulling his hips back.

Looking up at him, John said, "I can still swallow."

"Oh, God," Rodney said, his hand speeding up. Releasing Rodney's hand, John moved in again. This time Rodney cooperated, placing his cock just past John's lips. A couple of strokes and he was drinking in the familiar taste of Rodney. Pulse after pulse, until Rodney pulled away, trembling and twitchy. "Jesus," Rodney panted.

Ignoring the throbbing in his lip, John grinned smugly as he leaned in to press his cheek against Rodney's thigh, arms wrapped loosely around Rodney's hips. "Uh huh," he agreed.

Rodney hands went to John's head, ruffling his hair. "You, you are, you are so--"

When Rodney didn't finish the sentence, John lay back on the bed and raised his eyebrows questioningly.

Rodney opened his mouth, then closed it again. "Exhausting," he finally said, falling forward across John's chest.

"You, too." John hugged Rodney as best he could, with Rodney's face nearly tucked into one underarm and his hip digging into the other.

A sigh of utter contentment and Rodney relaxed, weight growing heavy across John's chest, body warm and limp. John tickled the hair on the back of Rodney's neck, slid his palm over the small of Rodney's back, rubbed his chin against Rodney's shoulder. "Okay, moving now," Rodney said in a small voice.

He raised his head, looking bleary-eyed and dazed as he contemplated John's face. "How's the lip?"

"What lip?" John asked.

Rodney grinned and leaned down to press another soft kiss to the undamaged side of John's mouth. "That lip."

"Oh, that lip."

With a shake of his head, Rodney settled in next to John, his head on John's shoulder. Content, John slid his arms around Rodney.

"I'm pretty good at this whole nursing thing," Rodney said.

"Mmmm," John agreed, stroking Rodney's back with his hand. He might not be able to kiss, but he could still use his hands. And if Rodney could kiss the tops of John's feet, John could touch his, along with a few other places.

Tomorrow was going to be a good day.