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John walked into the coffee shop and sat down at his favorite table. From here he had a view of one of the largest craters on the moon. Today there weren't any climbers attempting to scale up its steep, rocky sides. Not that they got very far. Base patrol could be real sticklers when it came to unauthorized explorations.
He knew all about it having tried it himself a time or two. Just once he'd made it to the top before being stopped. At first glance, all there was to see was more grey, dusty moon. And then he'd looked up. The Star Arch stretched out overhead as far as the eye could see. The view had been worth getting his hand slapped.
"You're back."
"Surprised to see me?" John waggled his eyebrows. Rodney McKay was the epitome of what a barista shouldn't be. Rude, mouthy, and with absolutely no regard for what his patrons actually ordered. John found him as entertaining as hell. He'd been coming here every day for three months. And every time, Rodney walked up to his table and greeted him personally. You had to be coming here for awhile to know how rare that was.
"Great. I don't know how I would have gotten through the day without your sparkling presence. Here." Rodney handed him a cup of coffee.
He didn't have to look to know it was black. No cream, no sugar. Rodney gave black coffee to everyone regardless of what they'd actually ordered. Heaven forbid anyone dare order a latte.
"Join me?" John asked, "It's a great view."
"Some of us have to work for a living—but since it's a slow morning…." Rodney pulled out a chair and sat down.
John watched Rodney's face as he gazed out the window, his expression mellowing as he took in the view. John had done enough Rodney watching by now to know it wouldn't last. It never did. But, for a moment, he had a secret glimpse of Rodney's inner marshmallow.
The Star Arch stretched across the sky. Granted, looking at it from the window wasn't the same as seeing it from the top of the crater but it was still damned impressive.
"I still say it's some kind of a bridge," John said, breaking the silence. "Bet you I could follow it all the way to the end. We could finally see where it leads."
"When your little rim runner ship is fixed, you mean. Assuming it ever is."
"Hey, it's not my fault the parts are hard to find!" Not to mention expensive. John was an experienced pilot and transport specialist. One temporarily without a ship. Which made it damn hard to earn the credits he needed to get his baby fixed and back into space.
"It's not your fault no one has ever come back from trying either," Rodney pointed out with a nasty streak of disdain.
John frowned. Rodney knew all this already, so why was he yanking his chain about it now?
Luna Base Four wasn't the oldest moon base in this quadrant but it was close to it. Consequently, it had been around long enough to establish a thriving community. There were plenty of tourists drawn here for a look at the Star Arch as well as a smattering of scientists that showed up hoping to study it.
Some stayed. Most moved on. Nearly everyone found their way at least once to the Kiss My Ass Coffeehouse. Rodney had installed a big sign over the counter. Whenever anyone complained he pointed up at it. The smart customers shut up, turned on their heel, and left before they were banned from coming back.
The not-so-smart ones tried to argue. The real idiots would make the mistake of asking, "What's all the fancy machinery for? Why go to all this work? You could just get the coffee from the base duplicators like everyone else."
Resulting in the best entertainment of John's day.
It wasn't just him. Everyone who overheard the question held their breath. It never failed. Once Rodney finished berating the offending customer, he'd hand them a cup of coffee on the house and smile.
Their face would light up at the first sip. By the second sip, they realized this was the best cup of coffee they'd ever tasted. Then Rodney would snatch the cup out of their hands and shoo them out the door.
Gossip was, and John knew this because Rodney was responsible for spreading it, any offenders might be allowed back with suitable groveling and the occasional contraband goods. None of which explained his friend's current attitude. Not unless…."You don't want me to go."
"I don't want you careening off completely unprepared for—who knows what kind of danger is out there."
"Aw, Rodney. You care about me," John teased.
"Don't let it go to your head," Rodney snapped back. "Oh, goody. Customers."
Rodney got up from the table to deal with the four new people that just walked in while John slowly sipped his coffee and watched to see what would happen next.
"McKay? What are you doing here?" The perky, attractive blonde asked.
"Carter?" Rodney stared back at the only woman in the group. "Huh. I see you've brought your usual entourage with you."
John moved a little closer hoping to hear better. Who the hell was this woman, and why hadn't Rodney ever mentioned her?
"I see you remember Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c," Sam said. "I have to say, this is the last place any of us expected to see you."
The guy wearing glasses nudged Carter. "The coffee, Sam?"
"Oh, right. We'll have two regular coffees, McKay, one cinnamon cappuccino, and Teal'c will have a mocha latte."
The entire room held its breath. After a long moment of silence, Rodney, with a brittle, unpleasant smile, set four black coffees down on the counter.
Carter frowned. "That's not what I…Daniel, you could wait before you grab one!"
So, glasses guy was Daniel. John notices how he hadn't waited for two seconds before his nose was buried in his cup of coffee.
"Black's fine. The grey-haired guy picked up a cup and took a sniff of its contents. "McKay, I have to say it's been a surprise seeing you here. I thought you’d gone north. Way, way up north."
Rodney tilted up his chin and folded his arms across his chest. "Yes, well that didn't really work for me, O'Neill."
If that guy was O'Neill, then the big guy inspecting the third cup of coffee must be Teal'c. Not exactly a common name in these parts. Even more baffling was the way Rodney kept shooting awkward glances in this Teal'c guy's direction. There was a story there, and John intended to weasel it out of Rodney one way or another.
"Is this why you're screwing up my coffee order? Don't you think that's excessively petty even for you, Rodney? I've told you multiple times it wasn't my fault!" Carter looked down at the remaining cup of coffee sitting on the counter and sighed.
John tried to move closer, unwilling to miss a single word but found an immovable wall of Teal'c standing between him and Carter. Smiling, John held up his empty cup. "Just looking for a refill."
"Indeed. I believe you will discover your refill can wait a little longer."
"Right. I'll just wait here then." John craned his neck, trying to see over Teal'c's shoulder. While he couldn't move as close as he'd hoped, the volume between Carter and Rodney had risen enough that he had no problem hearing them.
"I never, alright, I'll admit maybe I did blame you at first for the accident that almost killed Teal'c, but later, after I'd had a chance to go over your equations, then yes, I could see that it wasn't your fault. I even went by your place to tell you in person, but you were gone."
"I'd been booted off the project by then," Rodney said, "and advised to leave and not return."
"Oh, Rodney, I swear I had nothing to do with that."
O'Neill spoke up, "She tried to get Hammond to ask you back. Seems we've been a little short-handed on theoretical physicists since you were removed. McKay, if you want back on the project, I'll put a good word in for you, on Carter's say-so."
John held his breath, waiting for Rodney to say something. What if he said, yes? No, he wouldn't just up and leave, would he?
When Rodney didn't respond, O'Neill seemed to understand. "Say, this is pretty good coffee. Wish we could stay for a second cup, but we should be going before we have to pry Daniel away from here with a crowbar." With a final nod, he added, "Come along, Carter. McKay knows how to reach us if he wants to."
John didn't sleep well that night. He kept remembering the conversation he'd overheard. Rodney was a lot more than a barista. He was a goddamned astrophysicist. A man of education who had a chance to leave this place and put his talents to use.
He had to face facts. Rodney would be leaving the moon base…leaving him. And why shouldn't he? Why the hell should he stay to serve coffee when he could be studying the stars? John squinched his eyes shut against the early morning light.
Be supportive. That's what a friend would do, right? So, he'd get dressed, head down to the coffeehouse, and put the biggest, fake smile on his face he could manage.
"You look like hell," Rodney announced, setting a cup of coffee in front of him.
"I didn't sleep much. You?" John asked.
"Surprisingly well."
Of course, he did. Rodney had a brand-new future waiting for him. Glumly, John sipped at his coffee. He couldn't shake the horrible feeling that something necessary and good was about to slip through his fingers.
"It's time I get serious about getting my rim runner fixed. Funds are getting a little low, and I can't earn a living unless I can make my supply runs," John said.
"I thought you were trading off jobs with that Cam-shaft fellow? Didn't you say something about how he wanted to spend more time with his girl? To be honest, it's been nice seeing you around more." Rodney ducked his head, seemingly fascinated with his coffee.
John shrugged. "It's Cameron not…never mind." With a lop-sided grin, he added, "Cam-shaft isn't all that bad a description. But seriously, I've put it off long enough." He couldn't explain that without Rodney here, hanging around the moon base didn't hold any real appeal. Better to be off bouncing around the rim delivering supplies and being useful instead of sticking around here and missing his friend.
"Oh." Rodney's face fell. "I just thought…never mind. I need to go check the roaster. It's been acting up, and I'd hate to throw out another batch of burnt beans."
"Yeah." John watched Rodney head back to the kitchen.
He sat there for a little longer, watching customers come and go. An hour went by and Rodney didn't return. John sighed. It seemed like Rodney didn't have time for him. Well, if that was the case, he might as well throw himself into getting his little ship fixed. He waited a little bit longer before giving up and heading for the docks.
Last he knew, Radek Zelenka was still on base, and the docks were John's best bet to find him. The wiry, little engineer did good work, but he didn't come cheap. John could do the simple stuff, but repairs to the Alcubierre Drive needed someone who knew exactly what they were doing. If the cylinders weren't tuned correctly, he could easily end up as a carbon smear spread across a field of stardust.
Once Rodney had asked him, was it worth the risk? John found the answer hard to put into words. Flying to the outer rim could be dangerous, but it also made for an odd combination of peaceful and mysterious that had lodged itself in John's soul. There really weren't words for that.
John set the credits aside for Radek and just hoped he had enough for the rest of the repairs.
As John worked, he kept an ear out for any news about Rodney. Oh, he still stopped by the coffeehouse most mornings. There still wasn't any better coffee to be found anywhere else on the base, but he stopped waiting for Rodney to show up and sit with him.
The latest news over the feed only made him more depressed. Carter and her group were headed back this way. Reports were filtering through—via Radek who knew all the gossip—that they were staying longer this time. Probably to make sure Rodney went with them when they left.
"Moon-fucker!" John stuck his injured finger in his mouth to suck the blood off. Stupid sonic driver. Stupid place to put a screw. Stupid everything! The only thing that had gone right lately was finding the parts he needed.
Funny thing about that. He hadn't had to special order anything. Every part that he needed had already been marked down on the inventory list as surplus. John could claim it for almost nothing. He decided to accept his good fortune with his fingers crossed. After all, what were the odds that every part he needed would show up on the manifest? Bad to horrible. So, John kept his questions to himself.
Didn't mean he didn't want to share his good luck with Rodney. And he'd tried to do just that. Only, Rodney wasn't around when John needed…wanted him to be. With a disgruntled sigh, he tossed the sonic driver back into the toolbox. He'd done all he could and his little rim runner was as ready to fly as she'd ever be.
He still hadn't rounded up a supply run of his own. Most of his former contacts had found alternative pilots while John's ship was down for repair. He'd been happy to hand his route over to Cam but it left him hanging now.
That didn't mean he had to stay grounded. In fact, it looked like the perfect time to investigate the Star Arch. He was a lone wolf! He was a free spirit among men. That was the ticket. He'd even christened his rim runner ship the Maverick. Individualistic and independent, the name suited them both. Except…. The one thing missing was Rodney.
Somehow, Rodney had wheedled himself into his life. The lone wolf role he'd always prided himself on didn't sit right anymore. Setting that thought aside to think about—never, John secured the engine hatch and gave her hull a gentle pat.
The idea of leaving without saying goodbye felt wrong, even if Rodney had made his choice without talking to John. Not that he had to. Only…a familiar aroma filled the launch bay. Coffee?
He spun on his heel. "Rodney?!"
Rodney stood there holding two cups of coffee. With a smile, he held one out to John. "Yes, coffee. Now, make yourself useful, and load my stuff into your ship. Don't gap at me like that. You didn't seriously think you were headed off to parts unknown without me, did you?"
"But—but—what about Carter and her group?" John managed to choke out. I thought you were going with them."
"Oh, please. They're one of the reasons I need to leave. With a gentle smile, he added, "Not the only reason or the best one, but there's no way I'm going to go back to working with those people again."
"So, not the only reason." John stepped into Rodney's personal space. He took the offered coffee and smiled. "Care to share your other reasons?"
Color rising in Rodney's cheeks, he admitted. "Only one. Only one other reason."
"Oh?" John stepped within kissing distance. Not quite sure of Rodney's reaction, not yet, but he was willing to take a chance.
"You. It's you, damn it. If you want to go flying off, trying to find some mythical bridge hidden in the Star Arch, I'm not letting you do it alone!"
"Rodney, did you buy the parts I needed for my ship and drop them into surplus so that I could afford to fix the Maverick? Is that why I haven't seen you? Because you were putting in extra hours to pay for it?"
Indignantly, Rodney lifted his chin. "I have no idea why you would think such a thing."
"That's not a no." Unable to resist the pretty, pink flush on Rodney's cheeks or the sweet downturn of his mouth, John kissed him. To his relief, Rodney kissed him back.
Whoa, he wasn't expecting tongue. John rolled with it. Finally pulling away, he asked, "You're sure about this?"
"You're an idiot. Of course, I'm sure." Rodney offered up his mouth for another kiss. It was shockingly easy to oblige.
Only slightly out of breath when they finally broke apart, John picked up Rodney's go-bag and shoved it into the cargo hold. "Ready?"
"Yes. Adventure awaits! Um, you do have a place for my coffee machine and the beans I brought, right?" Rodney moved to one side and John saw the compact, heavy-looking case Rodney had been standing in front of.
"What's a day without coffee?" Grinning, John packed Rodney's stuff into the remaining limited space. He'd have to recalculate the thrust and fuel he'd need with the extra weight, but it was a small price to pay. "Strap in, Rodney. We launch in T-minus five minutes."
"So soon? I mean, good. The sooner we're up and away the better."
John wasn't sure where they were heading. Somewhere out there where the Star Arch beckoned. The one thing he was sure of, Rodney would be there with him.
Just when they'd settled into the long run to the stars, Rodney eagerly asked, "Okay, hotshot, when are you going to teach me how to fly?"
John had more than one answer for that. Just thinking about where their next kiss might lead had his imagination flying, no spaceship required. "Give it a little time, Rodney, and I'll teach you everything I know."
Rodney's returning smile and the mischievous twinkle in his eye sent a warm curl of anticipation straight to John's heart. Looked like he wasn’t going to be the only teacher on this trip.
Moon Base Four lay behind them and an uncertain future lay ahead. His lone wolf status was long gone, and as John reached out and took Rodney's hand, he knew he wouldn't want it any other way.