Work Text:
The Road Not Taken
by Blackrose
Original Universe - Rodney
The wraith were coming.
They needed that ZPM.
They needed John Sheppard.
*He* needed John Sheppard.
And in that second Rodney knew he was worrying over nothing.
John or a ZPM.
No choice at all.
He reached over and untied the Major.
John looked at him.
Rodney shrugged. "Not leaving you behind, Major."
Rodney felt John's hand slip into his own and he squeezed tightly.
They had to get away; there was only one outcome of blowing a ZPM.
In another universe Rodney knew another-him had just let another- John die.
Rodney wished him luck.
He was going to need it.
Mirror Universe - John
John didn't want to die, a stupid goal for a soldier really.
Rodney looked at him.
Especially now, because he knew what Rodney had to do.
John's job was to keep them safe, even if he had to sacrifice his life to do it.
He though of Ford and Teyla, undoubtedly running for backup that would come too late.
His wrists hurt from the restraints.
Rodney looked at him and in that second John knew what he was going to do.
John didn't even flinch as the bullet slammed into his skull.
Good luck Rodney.
You did the right thing.
Mirror Universe - Rodney
John looked scared and that was wrong.
Because Johns didn't get scared, even in the face of certain death. Rodneys got scared.
Rodneys begged and spilled secrets and lied, badly.
Johns didn't.
They just didn't.
But looking into John's face he could see fear and a desperate desire to live.
What was worse though was the understanding and approval as John realised his decision.
Rodney couldn't watch as the native pulled the trigger and a bullet from his own gun slammed into John's brain.
They needed this, he'd done the right thing.
The ZPM felt hollow as he took it.
Original Universe - John
John had been in plenty of situations where death was certain.
He'd been declared dead more than a few times as well.
Being a potential sacrifice to the Ancients was a first though.
Rodney's face was impossible to read and he flinched as Rodney untied him.
The scientist shrugged when he looked at him. "Not leaving you behind Major."
John understood.
Right decision, no regrets
John gripped Rodney's hand and Rodney squeezed back.
The sacrifice would be made as soon as they left.
John knew what that meant, that much energy released in one burst...
It wouldn't be long now.
end