The kiss Carson shared with Ronon lingered on his lips as he limped back to his infirmary. It tingled, and although the warmth of Ronon's mouth was gone, the memory of its wetness, open and welcoming, made Carson unconsciously touch his own lips with a finger. His young marine escort made small talk as they moved through the corridors away from the sparring room, but Carson found it difficult to concentrate on anything but the kiss.
Quietly he analyzed what had happened and what it meant. Ronon had kissed him, that was clear enough, but Carson was a little unsure if the kiss wasn't a simple, albeit erotically charged, outlet for the self-defense lesson Ronon had given him. It wasn't unheard of for men to get aroused from the exertion brought on during physical activities.
Physical activities, Carson groaned quietly. I have a few physical activities I'd like to perform with that man.
The Marine next to him said something, but before Carson could respond, the man turned and walked away, heading back to his workout partners. Beckett stepped into the infirmary and headed for his office before any of the nurses might notice his slight limp. He chuckled to himself as he swallowed two painkillers and searched for some muscle relaxing cream. He'd left his workout bag in the sparring room packed with supplies for just such a reason, but one kiss had almost made him forget his name.
"You're a hopeless bugger, Carson Beckett," he whispered to himself.
"Not that I disagree, but how, pray tell, can I encourage this train of thought?"
Carson grimaced at the sound of Rodney's voice and sighed loudly. "What are ye doing here, Rodney?"
"Oh don't give me that look," Rodney stepped into the small office. "I knew you had your little session with Bruce Lee, and I was curious to see if you were busted up like the rest of us."
Gloating was definitely not above McKay's list of ways to torture his best friend, but Carson wasn't in the mood. He was sore. He was confused. And he was hot for Ronon.
"Don't ye have an entire science team to spend your charm on?" Carson watched Rodney's face tighten then relax. The Canadian wasn't here to fight, and Carson didn't have the desire to get into a verbal fighting match right now anyway. He limped over to a nearby cabinet and began sorting bottles.
"So, I see Ronon wasn't any easier on you than he was on me," Rodney said, relaxing into Carson's office chair. "But you do look a bit, I don't know, strained about the eyes or something."
"I'm tired, Rodney, and I just had enough bruising to last a week, so if ye don't mind telling me why you're here ..."
"Oh, yes, right," Mckay shifted in his seat. "I've got some stuff I need you to turn on for me in the lab."
Great, he needs his second-favorite ATA-gene guinea pig for his research, Carson frowned. "I'm not in the mood, Rodney. Get Colonel Sheppard to do it."
Rodney jumped up and folded his arms. "I already asked him and he's busy."
"So am I."
"Come on, Carson," Rodney hated to beg, but he'd do just enough of it to get his way. "It won't take long, and I can't do it, so that leaves you."
"Rodney, I've a stack of papers a mile high on that desk behind ye, and..." Carson's voice trailed off when a large shadow fell across Rodney's face. As the scientist's jaw dropped open and his eyes widened, Carson turned slowly to see what had caught his attention.
Standing in the doorway of his office - nae, blocking the entire doorway - was Ronon. Shirtless, sweaty, muscled, beautiful, Ronon. Carson's eyes traveled the length of the soldier, skimming over six-pack abs, taut nipples, and a dark trail of hair that disappeared enticingly below his waistline. While the kiss they'd shared was memorable, the sight of Dex half-naked and glistening with a thin layer of sweat was breathtaking.
"You left this," Ronon said, a black bag in his hand. He nodded at Rodney who had yet to utter a word, before returning his gaze to Carson. "Figured you'd want it."
Carson was sure this was Heaven and Hell. To look on something as perfect as Ronon, yet not be able to touch it. Oh yeah, that was Hell, torture, and punishment. He swallowed a lump in his throat and walked over to retrieve the bag from Ronon's outstretched arm.
"You ...Thank you, but ye didnae need to bring it," Beckett's throat felt like it was stuffed with wool. "But you're right, I could use some of the things in here."
The smile Ronon gave him made his knees watery.
"McKay, how's the leg?" Dex asked, acknowledging Rodney's uncharacteristically quiet form.
"Good, God," Rodney stumbled over the words. "I mean, good. Good. You know, not bad. But good."
McKay was rewarded with the same smile that had left Carson speech-impaired. The two doctors didn't care if they were openly staring at every inch of Ronon Dex. The man was made to be stared at. If Ronon was bothered by the attention, he didn't show it.
"You sure you're okay?" He addressed the question to Carson, who was slowly recovering from his visual journey over the hills of Ronon's arm and shoulder.
"Oh, me? Aye, I'm fine," Beckett answered. Except my heart is beating faster than it should, and I'm wondering how soft your skin is, he silently noted.
"'Kay. I need to get back," Ronon pushed himself away from the doorway. "I left a couple of Marines still standing." He winked, grinned, and retreated from the infirmary.
"Did ...did he ...you see ...no shirt?" Rodney sort of asked, and Carson understood the strangled language of arousal all too well.
Beckett nodded absently, but he was too stunned to say a word. Instead, the doctor raised a finger to his bottom lip and rubbed it lightly.
The rest of his day was surprisingly calm and Carson dove into his research papers with vigor. His legs and back complained when he stood too quickly, but it only helped to remind him how interesting his day had been.
Seeing Ronon half-dressed wasn't usually a big deal. As his physician, Carson had conducted Ronon's exams and patched up his wounds. What made this morning different was the kiss.
It happened. I didnae start it, Carson told himself. But how can I know it meant something to Ronon as well?
The hours passed and Beckett only noted it by the cups of tea he downed. He was hungry, but had been too engrossed in his work to make the trip to the commissary for food. If he was being truly honest, he'd admit he also wanted to avoid Rodney and the scientist's lab experiments as much as possible, and that had meant staying hidden in his office. But hunger gnawed at him, finally forcing Carson to risk the mess hall.
When he arrived he found it was pleasantly McKay-free. Teyla Emmagan and Radek Zelenka sat chatting at a table. They noticed Carson and waved him over.
"Hello, all," he greeted them and received acknowledging greetings in return.
"Doctor Beckett, I heard you were injured during your sparring session with Ronon this morning," Teyla asked. "I also notice you seem to be limping."
"Oh, it's nothing, just a little bruise," Carson answered shyly.
"Little bruise? I also have such a bruise, and I don't think it is very little," Radek offered, sipping from his coffee cup.
"Ronon's methods can be ...intense," Teyla said, an eyebrow cocked high. "But he would not hurt either of you seriously."
Carson nodded. "Aye, Ronon's good at what he does, that's true. I just wish we were better at avoiding some of his skill."
The group laughed before the conversation changed to other topics. Zelenka shared stories of his latest research, and Teyla kept them laughing with tales from her people's settlement on the mainland. It was a wonderful way to relax, sitting with friends and enjoying their company. After a time, Radek excused himself to return to the labs. Carson took the opportunity to change the subject to something he hoped Teyla would be helpful in solving.
"Teyla, I ...may I ask you a personal question?" he began.
Placing her tea cup on the table, Teyla smiled reassuringly at her friend. "Of course, Doctor Beck ...Carson."
"It's about Ronon actually," Carson felt his face flush slightly. He and Teyla were friends, and she was always eager to understand when he had a problem that needed solving. At the mention of Dex, her smile deepened.
"What do you wish to know, Carson?" she asked.
There it was, the million dollar question. Letting out a deep breath, Beckett placed his hands flat on the table. "Has he ...does he ...do ye know if ..."
Teyla placed a hand on the doctor's and squeezed. "Just ask me," she said.
Annoyed at his difficulty, Beckett tried again. "I dinnae know if you've noticed, lass, but I don't spend a lot of time dating."
He waited for her to say something, but the Athosian merely smiled and listened. "I tried going out with ...with Lieutenant Cadman, but Laura and I ..." Carson freed one of his hands from Teyla's and ran it nervously through his hair. "She wasn't my ...type."
"You two did not make a good match?" Teyla asked innocently.
Carson shifted in his seat. He took a deep breath and looked into Teyla's deep, brown eyes. "I like lads, not lasses. Do ye understand now?"
To her credit, Teyla's eyes only opened a fraction wider than usual as she absorbed what the Scotsman said. Pieces of a puzzle seemed to fall into place, and she nodded her head.
"I understand," she said. "And ...this is why you wish to ask me about Ronon?"
"Yes. I, well ..." Carson couldn't get the words out. His heart thudded painfully in his chest.
Carson struggled to express his feelings even as Teyla rose and took a seat next to him. She again placed his soft hands in hers and, smiling warmly, she waited for him to continue.
"I'd like to know, if ye think there's a chance he's ...interested in me ...in ...in that way," Carson finally managed to ask.
"Ronon holds you in very high regard," she began, "and I believe he has allowed you to get closer to him than anyone not on our team."
"But does that mean he might be ...open to the idea of ...ye know," Carson asked, his eyes searching Teyla's face urgently.
"It is difficult to give you the answer you seek, Carson, because Ronon, as you know, does not ...share his feelings as openly as you or I."
"Aye, that I know," Carson said sadly.
"But you should not let it discourage you," Teyla patted his hand. "Would you like for me to speak to him on your behalf?"
The horror of the idea struck Beckett and he shook his head violently. "No, lass, that would surely kill me. I need to find out, but not so directly."
"Then I will help you, Carson Beckett," a twinkle sparked in Teyla's eyes. "We shall be subtle."
The calmness of his beautiful friend's voice eased some of Carson's anxiety. They talked well into the early morning hours, planning the romancing of Ronon Dex.
Teyla told him everything would be alright, but Carson couldn't shake the nervousness in the pit of his stomach. He felt as if he were preparing for one of Sheppard's off-world missions, tension etched into his shoulders causing them to ache painfully.
The first part of the plan was simply to send Ronon "signals" and see how he reacted to them. It was a childish thing to do, but after hours of discussion, it was better than most of the plans he and Teyla had conceived and abandoned.
Carson breathed deeply as the morning's mission briefing dragged on. He glanced at Ronon several times during Rodney's drawn out explanation of M40-153's ionically-charged atmosphere and shyly looked away when he found dark eyes watching him intently. Dex was as bored as Carson. Time to move the plan along, Carson thought.
While Radek and Rodney began verbally sparring, Beckett let his eyes travel back to Ronon. After a few seconds, the Satedan caught the doctor's gaze. But this time, Carson held Ronon's warm eyes in his. The moment was terrifying for Carson. He wanted to look to see if anyone else in the room noticed what was going on, but his peripheral vision only caught Sheppard's yawn and Elizabeth's fingers rubbing her temples.
Ronon and Carson openly devoured each other with hungry eyes, and the world around them paid no mind. After what felt like an eternity, Beckett let his blue eyes travel slowly over Ronon's body. The tattered black sweater Dex wore was unraveling near his waist. A wide patch of skin, the color of coffee with too much cream, taunted Carson and he licked his lips involuntarily. The action made Ronon shift his weight, bringing Carson's eyes back to his face. Again, Ronon's dreadlocks shielded him, but the room light seemed to cast shadows under his eyes making them appear more intensely green than the usual calm hazel.
Before he lost himself, Carson remembered the plan and looked away. His skin felt clammy under his tight uniform shirt and his dick had long ago decided this game was too much fun to lay dormant. The meeting ended, to everyone's relief, soon after.
As Beckett rose and collected his laptop, Ronon pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against. Before he could make it to the doctor, Teyla's arm locked around Carson's and blocked his view.
"Doctor Beckett, I'm so glad you agreed to help me on the mainland this morning," she said loud enough for Ronon to hear. "Major Lorne has agreed to fly us there. When will you be ready to depart?"
"Oh, I'm ready now, lass," Beckett said on cue. "I've naught else to do for a few hours, and a visit to your people would be lovely."
Carson picked up his laptop with his free arm and let Teyla escort him from the room, leaving Ronon staring in their wake.
All in all, the plan worked. Carson was giddy with excitement as Teyla giggled mischievously beside him in the puddlejumper. She had watched transfixed as Carson and Ronon locked on to each other, desire electrifying the air around them. How anyone else could remain oblivious to the heat passing between the two men brought another round of girlish giggles from the small woman.
Aye, there was a spark between us, Carson mused silently. He couldn't remember the last time he was left incoherent with glee, and Teyla, his partner in crime, was beaming at how well things went.
Beckett grabbed her hands and kissed the back of each. "Thank ye, lass. I'm overjoyed!"
"I agree. It was a good first step," she smiled as Carson released her hands. "Now we must see if our next step is as successful."
Carson allowed himself a moment to savor the simplicity of it all. With a glance, Ronon proved he was interested in the stocky Scotsman, and Carson had never had anyone look at him with such open lust. It was intoxicating and he felt light-headed from the rush it gave him. He smiled at Teyla.
So while Major Lorne flew them to the mainland, Carson and Teyla whispered like teenagers about the best way to send Ronon over the edge.
"You could simply walk up to him, tell him your feelings, and wait for his reply," Teyla suggested smoothly.
"Nae, that's much too forward for me."
"Sometimes we must take action if we are to reach a resolution," she added slyly.
Carson chuckled at the minx in front of him. "That's true, but in my case, I'd bollocks it before I even uttered a word."
"If that word means what I think then I disagree with your assessment of your skills, Doctor Beckett," Teyla grinned. "We know Ronon is interested in you. You must simply....provide him with a reason to act on his feelings."
A dozen different scenarios filled Carson's lust-addled mind, and he blushed in spite of himself. "You're right, of course," he admitted. "I'll try a more direct approach."
The day went slower than Beckett had anticipated. It seemed every Athosian had a minor ailment needing the doctor's attention. He was tired, but focused on his work. Soon, he'd return to Atlantis and hatch the second part of his and Teyla's man-catcher plot.
Of course, the best made plans often came with loopholes.
"Doctor Beckett, this is Weir. Come in please."
Carson tapped the radio at his ear. "Hello, Doctor Weir. Is there a problem?"
"Colonel Sheppard's team returned a few minutes ago," Elizabeth said, her voice sounded strange. "There's ...a problem with Ronon. We're sending a jumper for you and Teyla."
Carson's heart jumped. "Understood. What's the nature of the problem?"
"That's just it. We're not entirely sure."
What had the daft bugger done to himself this time, Carson wondered. "Is he injured?"
"According to Ronon, he's fine, but ..." Weir's voice was heavy with concern. "He seems a bit ...off."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Carson's eyebrows arched in worry. "Is he hurt or not?"
"I think it's best for you to determine that upon your return. Weir out."
Carson almost ran from the jumper bay to the infirmary, his chest heavy with worry. When he arrived, Dr. Biro walked over and handed him a chart.
"What do we have?" he asked breathlessly.
"Colonel Sheppard's team reported they'd encountered a small animal on the planet, similar to a rodent," Biro said, flipping the chart so Carson would read her additional notations. "The creature scratched Ronon's leg when he walked past it. After that ..."
"Has he exhibited signs of infection, or any allergic reactions?" Beckett asked.
"No, sir. Not that we can see. I've ordered a full blood work, just to be sure," Biro answered.
"So what was the problem Doctor Weir had me dragged back to look into?" Carson couldn't believe a mere animal scratch could agitate the Atlantis commander so much.
"Mr. Dex ...seems more moody than usual," Biro said, and Beckett eyed her suspiciously.
"Where's our patient?" Carson asked, looking around the empty front waiting area.
Dr. Biro turned and Beckett followed her to the rear of the infirmary, an area normally reserved to provide a hint of privacy in the open-style medical facility. He stepped past her and immediately surveyed the situation.
Ronon sat at the foot of the bed, a foot hitched around the bottom metal rung. He looked bored, and that brought a tiny smile to Carson's lips. Next to him, though, Sheppard's face was drawn into a tight frown. It wasn't the usual expression Beckett expected to see on the man, especially since he wasn't the one needing medical attention. But there was a certain level of anxiety in John's green eyes as they glanced at the doctors upon their arrival.
"So, I hear ye had a run in with a wee rodent," Carson tried to keep his voice light. "Let me take a look."
He handed the chart over to Biro and reached for Ronon's right leg.
"It's nothing," Ronon said, pulling away from Carson's hand.
"Aye, and I'm sure it's fine, but I'm your doctor. So don't give me any lip and let me see that leg of yours."
Usually Beckett's stern voice would make Dex smile, and the man would simply shrug and acquiesce.
"I said it's nothing!" Ronon growled and grabbed Carson's palm and twisted it. The sharp pain made Beckett yelp in surprise. Ronon squeezed tighter, grinning into the doctor's shocked face.
"Damn it, Ronon, let him go! Now!" John grabbed Ronon's arm and pried at the soldier's thumb, but Ronon continued to hold Carson's smaller hand in a vice grip.
"Let him go, Ronon! That's a fucking order, soldier!"
Ronon stilled, then released his captive. John was in his face in seconds.
"Jesus Christ, what the hell was that?!" John yelled into Ronon's now-blank eyes. "When I tell you to stand down, you do it. Immediately! Do I make myself clear?!"
Ronon's eyes focused on his commanding officer and he straightened his back. "Yeah, I got it."
"Doctor Beckett, are you all right?" Biro and a nurse huddled over their boss as he held his abused hand close to his chest. "Is anything broken?"
Carson knew they were talking to him. He could almost make out words, but his mind was reeling from shock. Why had Ronon attacked him? Ronon, of all people! Soft hands tugged at his arm making Beckett turn his attention away from the stranger sitting in front of him.
"Let's get an X-ray, just in case," Biro told the nurse.
Carson felt them pulling him out of the room, but he didn't feel his legs move. He saw John lean closer to Ronon and fiercely whisper something before he followed the exiting group.
"Wha ...what happened?" Beckett's mind was slow to recover from the assault. "Ronon ...?"
"I'm sorry, Doc," John shook his head sadly. "He's been like that since we returned. Ronon's ...I don't know. After what I just saw, I'm afraid he may be ...a problem, until we can figure out what's going on in his head."
"But ye said he was scratched!" Carson's eyes widened. "That was bloody more than an allergic reaction, Colonel! He could have ..."
"He wouldn't," John didn't want Carson to finish. "He'd never hurt you, or anyone else on Atlantis. That's why he's here. We gotta figure out what's happening to him."
"Come on, Carson, let's get this looked at," Biro used her best impersonation of the medical officer's reassuring tone, and smiled when he followed her to the diagnostics lab.
John watched them go, and ran a shaking hand through his unruly hair. He hadn't lied to Carson about Ronon's behavior, but neither had John explained that Dex had only turned violent when the gentle doctor had arrived.