busyPairing: McKay/Beckett
Summary: It's good to have something to come home to after a day like this.
Rating: PG
Warnings: SPOILERS for Trinity (206). Very domestic, too.
Notes: Wrote this ages and ages ago, but never put it online. It brings up a very sweet image for me, so I figured someone else might like it too :)
~500 words.
This franchise does not belong to me, nor do I make any money of it.
"So," a voice that often inspired great calm in Rodney greeted him as he walked through the door to his quarters. "How was your day, sweetheart?"
Rodney bit his lip, avoiding Carson's gaze. Of course he'd heard. Everyone must've heard by now.
"Oh, you know. Standard mission. Found something amazing. Blew up a solar system. The same old."
"Oh yes, I'd heard." Carson's tone wasn't one of resentment or blame, but a sort of lighthearted jest. "Guess someones gonna be paying for the pizza next few months."
"Carson," Rodney said, disliking just how wounded he sounded. "Please, just... Can we talk about something else?"
He dropped himself onto the sofa, still not daring to look at his friend. He felt the sofa dip as Carson sat down next to him, scooching closer.
"I'd rather we talk about this," he said, gentler this time. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and warm blue eyes looking at him with such understanding. "Are you okay?"
"Of course I'm not okay!" He snapped, glancing up at his face. The shame welled up inside him, and he looked down at the floor again. "It wasn't just two thirds of a solar system I destroyed, but... I lost the colonel's trust, Elizabeth's trust, and I just," he paused, unconscious of Carson pushing closer to him. "I don't know what I can do to fix it."
"There's nothing you can do. Not now," Carson let his fingers tease a tuft of hair at the back of his neck, resting his forehead against Rodney's temple. "You're a genius, Rodney-"
Rodney huffed.
"And aye, you know it. They need you. Mistakes will be made, especially in this line of business. It's not the end of the world."
"Maybe for some insects, it is," Rodney frowned. He looked up at Carson as he laughed. "What's so funny?"
"I think you may have found the universe's most effective insecticide."
Rodney cracked a smile, sliding his arms around Carson.
"They all know you're sorry," Carson whispered, planting a small kiss on his cheek.
"Why aren't you angry with me?" Rodney whispered.
"Because you came back alive. Any mission where you come home, arrow in your arse or not, is a success to me."
Rodney smiled and sighed, nudging his lover's nose slightly before kissing him softly, trying to convey his gratitude. He smiled as he pulled away.
"So, what are the plans for tonight?"
"I thought maybe a movie or a tv show," Carson grinned. "I already put Tom Baker in the player, but if you want something else," he shrugged. "Your call, hon."
"But," Rodney frowned. "You hate that stuff."
"I think hate is a rather strong word," Carson grinned. "I can suffer through it once in a while."
Rodney beamed. He couldn't keep the smile from his face as Carson reached for the remote and turned everything on.
"Thank you," he whispered as the episode started and kissed Carson again, longer this time.
"Anytime, love."
