Stargate: Atlantis
Characters: Sheppard, McKay
Rating: PG
Note: Inspired by imogenedisease's Choke and our subsequent discussion. (Warning: other drabbles in the post include death stories)

Words
by Night Spring

McKay's ceaseless chatter was a constant background hum on their off-world missions, an endless feedback loop that John listened for with half a ear, the tone, the flow, the rhythm and cadence of Rodney's voice telling him everything he needed to know without having to look.

Now John found himself glancing at Rodney every two steps, wishing he would say something, anything -- he was hungry, his legs were sore, the arrow sticking out of his shoulder hurt like hell -- but all he got was pale face and wide eyes and a piercing silence that screamed things were very, very bad.