Title: In a Name Author: Coreopsis Pairing: Sheppard/McKay Disclaimer: They don't belong to me and I'm making no profit. Comments welcome at coreopsis at gmail dot com

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Rodney generally thought of Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard as John, but he never called him that out loud in public. Rarely in private either. He had a disconnect between his mouth and his brain--perhaps the only one--that just didn't allow him to give that much away. No matter what or how he was thinking John, when he opened his mouth, out came "Colonel" or more rarely "Sheppard".

John, however, called Rodney by his first or last name almost equally, no matter the situation or surroundings. With him, it was all about the tone of voice. He could say "Rodney" with so many different meanings that there was almost an entire conversation in two syllables.

Rod--that was a good one, but you're not going to distract me, now get moving, the hike is not going to kill you--ney.

Rod--how can a man so brilliant do something so stupid--ney.

Rod--don't fucking scare me like that, I thought I'd lost you--ney.

Rod--I'm only smiling to avoid ripping your clothes off right here in front of half of Atlantis, but later, oh yeah, later--ney.

Rod--do not say another word because I'm on the edge and you do not want to push me over--ney.

Rod--calm down, I'm here, calm down, you're fine, calm down, we'll figure this out, just calm down--ney.

Rod--I can always count on you for a miracle, don't let me down--ney.

Rod--you have to be strong, if you won't do it for yourself, do it for Atlantis, or do it for me--ney.

Rod--I love you but I'll never say it--ney.

In the still dark of night, with the subconscious hum of the city the only sound, Rodney accepted that some of his readings might be tinged with wishful thinking, but then John would snuggle closer and whisper his name and he'd think maybe not.

The end.

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