This One Is for Bravery

by Telesilla

Summary:

Somewhere along the line, Rodney learned something.

Chapter 1

A tinker, a tailor
A soldier’s things
His rifle, his boots full of rocks
And this one is for bravery
And this one is for me
--traditional counting game

Every time, every fucking time, Rodney wants to say, “let someone else do it” or “do you always have to be a hero?” He used to actually say it aloud, but as the years passed, he’s realized that the answers will always be “no” and “someone has to do it.”

But there’s more to it than knowing what John will say. Somewhere along the line, Rodney’s come to believe in heroes. The man who used to think that being the smartest person in the room made him better than anyone else, particularly someone in the military, has learned that sometimes brawn is in fact better than brains. Sometimes the situation calls for a guy who can shoot and fly a jumper and turn his fear into something he can use. Sometimes what’s needed is a big damn hero.

So now, instead of saying “do you always have to risk your life?” Rodney says, “I’m glad you came back” and “let me take care of you.”

Rodney says, “I’m proud of you.”

-end-

Notes:

When Rah's gorgeous fanart turned up on my tumblr dash, I had to write something for it.