Work Text:
2005
Caldwell is yelling at the thing in his head.
Don't ask, don't tell, don't harass, don't pursue!
They’re too obvious about it, in that way where covert lovers lose their ease with each other for fear of giving something away and so give everything away. He can see how they keep remembering to put the appropriate amount of distance between their magnetised bodies.
Steven doesn’t exactly approve, but he wouldn’t do anything about it. The snake, on the other hand, sees its chance.
Sheppard turns his accidentally smitten gaze away from Rodney. He sees Caldwell’s comprehending look, and pales.
2006
He’s torn. Rules are rules. He can’t very well apologise for severing a gay airman from his lover. Can’t say “I would never have twisted that rule against you.”
It’s too late. McKay’s moved on, and something in Sheppard has hardened.
If McKay had thought to woo Sheppard back by dazzling him with a powerful weapon, well that only estranged them further.
The snake had played its part well, piling the pressure on with the notion if McKay doesn’t do it, we’ll do it anyway.
He doesn’t believe it was ego, but desperation that drove the scientist to disaster.
2010
Sheppard has grown as a man, grown into his role as the full bird military commander of an increasingly complex, intergalactic presence on the Atlantis Base. Steven didn’t always consider him worthy of his position, but now he sees the way John works with Pegasus natives and civilians without ego or military entitlement, and knows he is exactly the right man for this unusual role.
“I have some news,” Caldwell says to him. “DADT is being repealed.”
Sheppard’s face gives nothing away.
Next time he encounters McKay, though, the man’s shoulders are as loose as he’s ever seen them.
2011
Steven will never know if he’s the cause of Sheppard’s unease with him or if it was the snake. He and John are unalike. Steven’s loyal to his country, Sheppard to his people—there’s a difference. Sheppard doesn’t care for hierarchy and rules, and Steven needs them to guide him.
Now Steven’s the commander of the Pegasus fleet in the final stages of the wraith war, they’re figuring out how to work together. So, he’s going to risk this.
“I want to congratulate you, John,” he says, genuine warmth in his tone. “The DADT repeal went into effect today.”
2015
Steven didn’t get invited to the wedding. It happened two years ago, Teyla officiating, John and Rodney wearing the bleached-cloth robes traditional for Athosian grooms. The US had still been dragging its heels on gay marriage then, but today, thanks to Obergefell v. Hodges, it’s a different matter.
He finds Teyla, explaining the plans he’s put in place.
The two men are beamed aboard the Daedalus thirty minutes after the law passes. Witnesses Teyla and Ronon wrap the confused men in their wedding robes.
“Come on, gentleman, about time we made this official.”
Their bewildered, beaming smiles are infectious.