It surprised Claire greatly to feel Caleb’s hand sneaking around hers, and she stifled a smile as best she could. Asking whether or not they would be able to deal with their relationship going public in Atlantis was quite possibly one of the most ridiculous questions that she had ever heard. Still, she let Caleb speak, her hand resting comfortably in his, and not caring whether Weir noticed, or what she thought. Caleb was sounding as nervous as she felt, especially when he admitted to his previous reputation, a reputation that seemed as though it wouldn't leave him alone.
She gave his hand a squeeze, a tentative and hopeful smile daring to settle on Claire's lips. "It might not be common knowledge, no, but that's probably more to do with us deciding to keep it quiet," she explained. "We never hid it, not deliberately. We just... don't flaunt our relationship." Okay, so in New Orleans, they were a public couple, but that was because there were no expectations of them, and nobody knew about their jobs, or about Caleb's past. it had been easier to relax there.
Claire gave Weir a smile that looked more confident than she felt. "Honestly, it would be a relief not to have to feel as though we ought to keep things quiet," she admitted, giving Caleb's hand another squeeze. This was the first time they had openly displayed any affection in front of someone they worked with, much less a superior, and it felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Caleb's confidence had seemed to emerge all of a sudden, and he spoke in a clear, calm, controlled manner, explaining that they had worked together since becoming a couple, and it wouldn't be an issue. "Hell, Dr Weir, the first thing I did when we met was stitch him up," she chuckled, giving Caleb a fond smile. "That makes a pretty bloody solid basis for a friendship, and... well, we've built on it now for over a year. And, while I don't want to think that our relationship might not work out, I know our friendship will."
Claire had never felt closer to anyone, and she could only hope that Elizabeth Weir would show them a little compassion. She didn't want to have to lay all her cards on the table if she didn't have to. They would both much rather come to an amicable agreement with the expedition leader than have to force the issue.
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