OMG yes! Thank you for this! You managed to put into words what really bugged me about that last bit in "The Shrine" and the inevitable relationship that's going to result from it. It's all so... more than plausible, it just clicks, makes so much sense.

Am I allowed to take all of naye's snipped bits and say "Yeah, that"? Because, really, that. (Torren time! Squee!) Okay, I won't snurch, but everything she said, as well as:

Rodney had been blunted, his sharp mind and his sharp tongue alike. -- because that's really how I felt about that scene, he's Rodney, but he's not Rodney. And I love the thought that Keller would realize this (maybe in hindsight, but still realize it nonetheless.)

-- John's smart, she thinks. Too damn smart, and he takes care of his team too well. -- Because it's so true, and says so much about Keller's view on John (part compliment, part consternation, and a teensy bit of jealousy?)

I'm not radically opposed to McKay/Keller, but I would really prefer it to not happen for a lot of the same reasons. But is it horrible that the thought of McKay and Keller having sex gives me the heebie jeebies? However, if it has to happen canonically, I'd love for it to be like this, where the friendship is something that stands out more than OTPness.

And "Torren time" is still making me grin like a loon. Everyone on Atlantis wants to play with the baby! :D