New Home (Stargate Atlantis fanfiction)

12 A gift

He woke up to the genuine smell of fresh coffee just like the last time. He looked through the window and saw that the sun was already high on the sky. Something that never happened in the SGC or even on Atlantis for the last two years. He jumped out of the bed and wandered how was it that he was that much rested. He took a new set of clothes and went to the adjoined bathroom.

When he arrived in the kitchen about twenty minutes later he smelled pancakes. He tried to be as quiet as possible when he saw Elizabeth preparing them. She was still much too thin but she had her color again and he knew her results were showing a huge increase of health.

"John?" he nearly jumped hearing his name. "Did I startle you?"

"No, Mrs Weir, it's ok." He lied. He was absolutely not happy that Elizabeth found out about him being there. She visibly tensed and she was not as calm now. He could see. He knew her for three years, he saw her during every crisis and workload. He knew her body language in slightest detail. "Good morning."

"Morning" she said quietly. Another good thing, her voice was back.

Breakfast was much better than the late meal last evening. Elizabeth was not really comfortable with his presence, but she must have got used to the thought of him. She even managed to offer him another mug of coffee. Ever the diplomat, old habits die hard, and she had a habit of being nice and taking care of her guests, at least in Atlantis.

"Would you like to take a walk with me, Miss Weir?" he asked after short consideration. "The weather is nice and I think I saw some park very near."

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment and looked at him a little frightened. "I don't know. It doesn't seem to be the best..."

"Of course it IS a great idea, John." Concluded Susan Weir. "You should leave house at least for a short walk, Liz."

After her mother set her mind on it Elizabeth had to agree. She was still unsure enough to let herself be guided. She picked a jacket and left accompanied by John. They did not touch since John did not want to scare her and kept his hands to himself. He tried not to stare at her, but obviously he didn't manage that.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked

"Like what?"

"Like I was strange..."

"Miss Weir..."

"Elizabeth." She said turning her gaze away.

"Elizabeth," he continued. "I'm just pleased you look better than the last time I saw you. That's all. You're making progress and it's really good."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm your supervisor."

"Hey," he stopped. "I am not your enemy, Elizabeth, please try to remember that. I'm not going to let them take you away, do you understand?" He waited for her nod and continued. "During the years you don't remember you had contact with a huge portion of top-secret information. The powers that be were frightened that this information may be exposed if you are not properly observed. I was appointed to be someone to talk to and define which information from what memory you may regain is classified and what should be left without telling outside. Does that answer your question?"

She nodded again and continued walking around a small pond in the park. "I want to go back home." She said.

"So this is where we'll be going now." He smiled to reassure her although he had a feeling she was completely free from any medication she got in the past. Yes, she was still a little confused and scared, but her strength and attitude were clearly coming back. She feared being away from home, but she needed to go outside as much as possible, he decided, it did her good, it was able to open her up a little. John hoped their little talk settled her a little about her fate and his role.