sga_flashfic | Melting The Ice - by Nicke (F**king Freezing Challenge)

Title: Melting the ice

Author: Nicke, beta by

mice1900 (and any mistakes you find are mine)
Pairings: Carson Beckett/Rodney McKay
Rating: G
Categories: FT, slash
Summary: Carson was always cold, in Antarctica as well as in Atlantis...
Word count: ~760
Disclaimer: None of them are mine. If they were... *g*

Prompt: F**king freezing challenge

He'd always been cold in Antarctica, Carson thought as he rolled on his back, his shoulder touching Rodney's.

He'd been cold ever since he laid eyes on Rodney and realised the man would never return his feelings. And no knitted jumper, no jacket or comforter could warm him. He hadn't shuddered just from the cold, when Rodney's hand fell on his shoulder, trying to coax him to sit on the chair. And the outside cold only amplified the cold he felt inside when he realised there was no way to avoid going to Atlantis.

Even in Atlantis he'd been cold. There hadn't been snow or ice, and still he'd been cold. Worried for his best friend who had no clue. Watching Rodney step through the Stargate to go on missions sent a cold shiver down his spine every time. He couldn't remember how many times Rodney and the team made it back to Atlantis, badly hurt or wounded and he had to patch them up again. He used to have nightmares and would wake up in cold sweat, screaming with horror when they hadn't managed to make it - in his dream.

Rodney never seemed to notice or care and it just broke Carson's heart to be around his friend, so close but yet so far from what he was longing for.

The mattress gave in and he turned his head slightly, watching Rodney roll on his side and rest his chin on the back of his hand, giving him one of these brilliant smiles.

They had been back from another disastrous mission, Carson recalled. Rodney had been exceptionally lucky, he could have been killed, but ended up with only a few scratches. And all because he wanted to have a look at some Ancient gizmos. Everybody in the team had been mad at him, but Rodney insisted they go back and retrieve the devices. He'd been royally pissed when no one supported his idea.

Carson had been worried and on Elizabeth's request went to his quarters to try to talk some sense into Rodney.

He should have known better, Carson thought with a grin as Rodney tentatively reached out his hand and touched his shoulder. When it came to Ancient devices, Rodney could be as stubborn as a donkey.

One minute he had been trying to make him see reason, and the next they were angrily shouting at each other. Rodney accused him of being envious, having to stay behind while he and his team got to have all the fun and meet all the hot chicks. Carson couldn't tell what hit him, but suddenly his hands were fisted in Rodney's shirt, their faces only inches apart. He'd been angry and upset, boiling with fury and before he knew what happened, Rodney had cupped his face and kissed him fervently.

When their lips had parted, Rodney looked at him, almost shocked in face of his actions. He'd apologized, stammering the words. How inappropriate this had been, that he was so very, very, very sorry for not respecting boundaries he should have. Carson hadn't been able to hold back a grin and before Rodney was able to make more fuss, he'd pulled him in for another kiss.

Their lips were glued together and they were in each other's way, unwilling to let go of the other as they started to strip off their clothes. Carson felt his heart skip a beat when Rodney confessed with a whisper that he'd been wanting to do this for a long while.

"Move," Rodney's sleepy voice suddenly cut into Carson's thoughts. Blinking his eyes, Carson focused on his naked friend.

"You're lying on the sheets and it's fucking freezing here," Rodney snarked and tried to pull the sheet from under his frame.

Carson grinned and lifted his hips to allow Rodney to pull out the sheets. "You know," he drawled and rolled on his side, facing Rodney who struggled with spreading the sheets over them. Moving his hand slowly down Rodney's side to his hip he feathered kisses on Rodney's chin. "I could warm you."

Rodney instantly stilled his motions and Carson for a moment worried he was the one who pushed boundaries. The sheets were cool against his hot skin and he felt a cold shiver running down his spine.

"Oh," Rodney said and slowly turned his head, catching his gaze and smiling almost shyly.

Carson felt him relax against his chest, tentatively sliding his hand around his hip and smiled. Neither of them would be cold that night. Or any of the following ones.

Finis.