Chapter Text
Todd quickly realized that, while certainly not all reactions and responses they received the one or other way were positive or even neutral, now that it was more or less officially and publicly acknowledged and confirmed that Sheppard and he were in a committed relationship, it greatly simplified some important matters. To be honest, he had been slightly worried that the occasional glance sent their way and some of the remarks that they heard from time to time would possibly upset the man, so he was relieved to notice that he stayed aloof from it all.
But, either way, Todd would've fought the entire galaxy tooth and nail, quite literally, as long as it meant he was allowed near the Colonel's side. Especially when Sheppard was hurt, which, despite his best attempts, still was far more often the case than he would've liked.
It was in such an instance that he was more than glad his team and Mr. Woolsey were aware of the situation, for they immediately notified him of the situation as he had unfortunately been away on a mission of his own. Todd might very well have irrevocably damaged the hyperdrive of one of his most sacred ships in his haste to get to the next stargate and presumably endangered his own life during that process, though he had cared little in that moment when informed of the magnitude of the human's injuries and a mind-numbing fear took a hold of him, the cold dread that filled his body threatening to pull him under.
In fact, while no one attempted to stop him or even tried to slow down his run through Atlantis to the infirmary, he nevertheless only came in time to see how the monitors showing Sheppard's heartbeat stopped doing exactly that. In retrospect, Todd couldn't possibly say how long he stood there helplessly next to the man's team, paralyzed by panic, watching in growing terror as every one of Dr. Keller's tries to revive him failed, but it was definitely one of the most torturous moments in his life.
Whatever it was that had pulled him out of his stupor back then, Todd was forever grateful for it. Once he had gotten his bearings back, he had stopped the hopeless endeavor of the doctor, barely noticing that her hands had begun to tremble by then, and placed his own hand atop Sheppard's chest, hesitating for the briefest of seconds, daring anyone to stop him, before he poured everything he had into the lifeless body in front of him.
Even days after that he was only able rest with an ear over the human's heart, reassuring himself he was still there. Sometimes he would trace the scar that Sheppard still looked at in the mirror every morning and every evening. He had joked that Todd was being handsier than usual, but none of them had truly minded.
~~~
Since then, Todd never knew how to feel when asked to come down to the infirmary. This time, at least, he could be sure that Sheppard wasn't the reason. He was called while in the man's company and knew for a fact that he was unhurt, which reduced his apprehension significantly. He had even managed to tone down his agitated pacing, before being lead to the human healer.
"How can I help you, Dr. Keller?" Todd critically eyed his opposite. He noticed with concern that the female seemed tense.
The woman breathed in deeply and then came straight to the point. "I was informed of a change in your relationship status and since one of our men is involved in this change, I was also asked to discuss some issues with you concerning this relationship."
Though, of course, relieved that there were apparently no bad news, Todd had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at having to endure another conversation with that theme. It seemed Sheppard was, after all, the reason why he was there. "I do not see where this is going and, with all due respect, I cannot think of anything we'd need to discuss", he responded politely, but firmly. He desperately held onto the hope to be able to escape the human's office, though it was soon vanquished when the female steepled her fingers a bit forcefully, yet with resolve.
"Well, on earth, or at least in our society, parents tend to have this special and always awkward, but meant to be informing conversation with their kids about preparation and protection during the act and so on when the youngsters are slowly turning into adults and certain interest make their first appearance." While Keller's voice remained steady, she avoided eye-contact, preferring to stare at some point above his shoulder, and the tips of her ears turned red, but she went on anyway.
"Now, obviously, you are both grown-ups already, but, considering that this, nevertheless, is a first time, it was thought appropriate to make an exception in your case and maybe help you cross the inter-racial gap." The human female winced slightly at the certainly quoted expression and cleared her throat.
Todd wasn't entirely sure whether to be offended. He rather settled on being mildly amused instead and could sympathize with the woman in front of him, who seemed just as unhappy with the topic. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Doctor, but I believe that is not necessary." He secretly congratulated himself on the serious tone he'd managed.
Keller, however, nervously shifted around in her chair. "Okay, I can understand that and I know you're fairly responsible in comparison to most others I know here, but Sheppard can be very reckless at times." She smiled apologetically at her description of the Colonel, though Todd couldn't say he disagreed.
Yet, with his amusement growing, he shook his head. This turned out to be good. "No, I don't think you understand. It's too late to have any precautionary conversation."
For a moment surprise showed on the Doctor's face and what was most likely the curiosity that had led her to her profession and the Atlantis expedition. "Oh, that's great", the female exclaimed, before she bit her lip, apparently trying to compose herself. "Okay, so I can assume everything went well? I'm sorry to ask this, since it's private, after all -"
"I am convinced that there was nothing left to be desired and neither of us had anything to complain about, if that's what you need to know, Dr. Keller", Todd interrupted the embarrassed woman with a smirk verging on smug at her interest, though he would say no more. Some stories were better left untold and some secrets were better left unsaid. He would not reveal something so personal.
~~~
That evening, the Colonel accompanied him onto one of Atlantis' many balconies. While the human sometimes teased him for his supposedly romantic streak, he never complained about the nights Todd spent simply staring up into the sky, trying to commit the stars to memory.
Whether they would just stand side by side at the railing or whether Sheppard tugged his arms around himself and leaned back against him, Todd appreciated that the man oftentimes kept him company during those long and dark hours. He didn't ask for permission to come with him or if he wanted the human to join him, but he had a feeling the Colonel didn't need any words to know that was the case.
This time, however, Todd broke the calm, but heavy silence. "I had a very interesting conversation with Dr. Keller today."
That Sheppard caught on to what he was talking about as quickly as he did, he attributed to his own unsuccessfully stifled, rumbling laughter. "Oh, please, no", the man groaned miserably, before he grinned up at him. "Really? That talk? How did it go?"
"I was able to avoid the worst part, I presume. Unfortunately, for that to happen, I might have had to hint at certain occurrences having already taken place." Todd wound his arm around the human, but shrugged his shoulders ostensibly innocently.
The man crossed his arms and scoffed, "I'm surprised they didn't want any proof. Well, I'm also surprised they didn't address that part earlier." The Colonel heaved a long-suffering sigh that soon enough turned into exasperated, yet nonetheless almost fond chuckling.
Todd hummed affirmatively, "They are somewhat slow on the uptake, don't you think?" He pressed a kiss to Sheppard's temple.
Just like he himself had been for such a long time. He shuddered at the thought. Todd couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if the humans had not seen what he could only see clearly now, and confronted him with it, if they had not said aloud what he hadn't dared to believe might be true.
It almost appeared as if the man read his mind then. "They just mean well. We should probably be grateful. Who knows where we'd be without the occasional interference?"
"I don't particularly enjoy considering such possibilities. But you are right in that we should be grateful." Todd rubbed small circles on Sheppard side as his hand slid lower. "While I do not believe any of your friends needs another boost to their ego, do you think they would be averse to seeing a demonstration of what they have achieved as evidence of our gratitude?"